Turn, turn, turn – do it right!

Content by Patricia M. Laux
Editor - Transport Operations
J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
email:  Plaux@jjkeller.com

Turning can be very difficult, especially in cities. You have to deal with traffic coming at you, obstructed views, and pedestrians. On very busy streets, you should try to plan a route to minimize the need to make left turns. If you must turn left, try to do it where there is a traffic signal. Use directional signals and make sure you have adequate turning space available. Remember that the trailer does not follow the path of your power unit exactly. Here are some special tips about various turning maneuvers. 

Basic training for turns
Here are a few common-sense rules to remember when making a turn:
1. Signal your intentions well in advance – at least 100 feet in city traffic.
2. Check your mirrors for vehicles and/or people that might present a problem if you turn.
3. Remember your blind spots and try to compensate for them.
4. Begin a right turn from as close to the right curb, road edge or line of parked vehicles as possible.
5. Begin a left turn from the lane closest to the centerline (or the far left lane of a one-way street).
6. Check your mirrors frequently (especially convex ones) during turns.
7. Make certain you have allowed for the off-tracking that occurs during a turn (rear trailer wheels follow a somewhat shorter path than the front wheels do).
8. Yield right-of-way to any other vehicles or to any pedestrians you encounter when attempting a turn. 

Making right turns
Right turns are the most hazardous to make because of severely reduced visibility on that side of your vehicle. Even under the best of conditions, you simply can’t see as much of the picture on that side. Mirrors help, but won’t cure the problem. If you have only a standard right-side mirror (West Coast), you can see about 10% of the area there clearly. If you add a convex mirror, the vision improves to 40%. This fact says that extreme caution is needed when you attempt any right turns. Follow this procedure:
• Adjust speed. Don’t brake during a turn.
• Shift into correct gear. The chosen gear should be the one in which you complete the turn – that lets you keep both hands on the wheel during the turn.
• Get your vehicle into proper position. If you are driving a combination, get about half your length past the intersection’s corner point before you start to turn the wheels so you can avoid running over the curb.
• Turn the wheel sharply and accelerate slightly as you move into the turn. Then you can move through the turn smoothly.
• Keep your eye on the right mirror while you are turning so you’re ready to adapt if necessary. Be aware of the position of the trailer wheels and watch for vehicles, bicycles, etc.
• Turn your steering wheel back to the left. After you complete your turn, straighten the wheels and proceed.

Be alert for these common right turn errors
Approaching the intersection too fast
Forgetting to gear down
Attempting to shift gears while you are turning
Failing to allow for the off-tracking of your trailer wheels

Making left turns
Left turns are not as hazardous to make as right simply because visibility to the left side of your vehicle is much better. Use this procedure:
• Reduce speed before beginning the turn. Avoid braking during the turn.
• Get into the correct gear and keep your wheels straight. You should be able to complete the turn in the gear chosen.
• Position your rig as far to the right in the turning lane as possible. The extra space helps assure that the trailer will clear without mishap.
• Keep an eye on your left-hand mirror while turning. Look for position of the trailer as you turn, make any necessary adjustments.
• Turn the steering wheel back to normal position. When the turn is complete, get into correct lane and proceed. 

Dealing with intersections 
The cardinal rule in intersections is that you should be able to see others and they should see you before you enter the intersection. Adjust speed accordingly, and always be ready to stop.
Determining right-of-way – This is most important at intersections with opposing sets of traffic competing for use of the roadway. Some rules do exist for determining “who’s on first,” but if there’s any doubt at all in a situation – the safest approach is to let the other driver go first.
Unmarked/unsigned intersections – These are especially tricky. The best idea is to just go slow and keep your eyes open for vehicles and/or pedestrians competing with you for the space.
The general rule is that if two vehicles enter an intersection from two different highways at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. But if you encounter a particularly aggressive driver, the sensible thing is to play it cool and not get into a vehicular argument with the other person that might result in an accident. Never assume you have the right-of-way or that another driver will yield. In heavily-traveled intersections, traffic will probably be controlled by traffic signals, stop signs or yield signs. In this case, even if you have the green light, it is wise to check in all directions before proceeding. Don’t ever assume you have a clear right-of-way.
Learn to “play the green” – As you approach an intersection, if you can see the green light has been on for some time, start to reduce your speed in case it changes to yellow as you approach. The caution light is designed to allow vehicles that are already in the intersection when it activates to clear the intersection, not for you to speed up and whiz through if it’s already on yellow when you get to the intersection.
Hopefully, these simple precautions and driving adjustments will help make the road for you and those around you a safer place to be. 

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