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Turning into a Side Road
August 29, 2022 at 7:19 PM
Turning Left into a Side Road
When we are driving along and we want to turn left, the first thing we should do is check our rear vision mirror. We will do this well before our turn, so we are aware of what’s behind us. After that we look ahead and anticipate what’s happening. While we are doing that, we indicate to the left and start to move towards the left, leaving at least 1 meter from the kerb. In this situation we do not necessarily need to do a blind spot check on the left side unless we are changing position on the road for more than 1 meter. We start to slow down early, so we have plenty of time to anticipate the traffic situation ahead. We approach the turn at a speed that allows us take the turn safely and gives us time to check the intersection for potential hazards in the road we are tuning into. Once we get close enough to the turn, we turn the wheel and make our turn to the left. It’s important to follow kerb line when turning, so we keep to the left and well away from potential oncoming traffic. We lightly accelerate and as the car straightens up, we increase our speed if it is safe to do so. We have look ahead to scan/ search for any information that is given to us. Once we are settled, we can check the rear vision mirror to see what’s behind us.
Turning Right into a Side Road
When we are driving along and we want to turn right, the first thing we should do is check our rear vision mirror. We will do this well before our turn, so we are aware of what’s behind us. After that we look ahead and anticipate what’s happening. While we are doing that, we indicate to the right and start to move towards the centre line or imaginary centre line if there isn’t one. We start to slow down early, so we have plenty of time to anticipate the traffic situation ahead. Ideally, we approach the turn at a speed that allows us to stop if we need to give way to oncoming straight or turning traffic, but at the same time anticipate the traffic and go if it is safe to do so. Once it’s safe to go, we start to move forward and turn the wheel to the right. It’s important to not turn too early, so that we potentially cut the corner and be in the path of oncoming traffic. If the road we are turning from has a centre line, we may be able to use the gap in the centre line for judgement. We lightly accelerate and as the car straightens up, we increase our speed if it is safe to do so. We have looked ahead to scan/ search for any information that is given to us. Once we are settled, we can check the rear vision mirror to see what’s behind us.
FAQs
1) What’s the basic rule at a single-lane roundabout in New Zealand?
Give way to traffic from your right that will cross your path and to anyone already in the roundabout. Enter only when your gap is clearly safe, then keep speeds low and steer smoothly.
2) Do I need to indicate at a single-lane roundabout — and when?
Left turn: signal left on approach and keep it on through the roundabout.
Straight: no signal on entry; signal left after passing the exit before yours.
Right/U-turn: signal right on approach; switch to left after the exit before yours to show you’re leaving.
3) How should I approach speed and positioning?
Slow early to a speed that lets you stop if needed, track near the centre line on approach (about half a metre off), and look well ahead for indicators, vehicle paths, and pedestrians.
4) What’s different when turning right at a single-lane roundabout?
Keep speed down — it’s a sharper arc. Enter only with a clean gap, hold your line, then signal left after the exit before yours and leave when safe.
5) How do I go straight through correctly?
Approach at a controllable speed, give way to the right, hold a steady line, then signal left after the previous exit and exit without drifting.
6) Can I make a U-turn at a single-lane roundabout?
Yes, where not prohibited by signs/markings. Treat it like a right turn: signal right on approach, keep speed low, then signal left after the exit before your departure and leave cleanly when safe.
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