Mastering the Right Turn: Tips for Braking, Steering, and Accelerating

In this video, the instructor provides tips for students on how to turn right while driving. They explain two scenarios: turning right while approaching an intersection with some speed, and turning right after coming to a complete stop.

For the first scenario, the instructor suggests braking before the turn while approaching the intersection, and then turning the steering wheel when the left edge of the sidewalk aligns with the lower right corner of the windshield. Acceleration should start when exiting the turn. The instructor emphasizes the importance of looking where you want to go and not focusing solely on the speedometer.

In the second scenario, students are reminded to look at the desired destination rather than staring at the sidewalk. They should accelerate and start turning the wheel when their right mirror aligns with the perpendicular sidewalk or any other obstacle. The instructor also mentions adjustments depending on the roundness of the corner and tight situations with trucks or other vehicles.

The instructor advises drivers to practice these techniques, find their own reference points, and always remember to signal and check surroundings before making any turn.

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Key Insights:

  • When approaching a right turn with some speed, start braking before the turn and reach an appropriate speed of 15 to 25 km/h before starting to turn.
  • Find a reference point, such as aligning the left edge of the sidewalk with the lower right corner of your windshield, to indicate when to start turning the steering wheel.
  • Do not focus on the speedometer while turning; instead, focus on where you want to go and let your brain adjust your speed instinctively.
  • Adjust your reference point and turning technique based on the presence of obstacles at the intersection, such as a parked bus or construction panel.
  • When turning after having stopped, avoid staring at the sidewalk and instead focus on where you want to go.
  • Ensure you accelerate sufficiently while turning and avoid oversteering, as the steering wheel alone cannot take you where you want to go.
  • Use your right mirror and align it with the perpendicular sidewalk or obstacle to determine when to start turning.
  • Consider the roundness of the corner and adjust your turning technique accordingly. In tighter situations, turn in the shape of an L rather than an arc.
  • Practice these reference points and techniques in different driving situations to find what works best for your vehicle.
  • Remember to signal, perform verifications, and be aware of your surroundings before every turn.

Transcript

One of the biggest difficulties students have when turning right is knowing when to start braking and turning the steering wheel. This applies to both approaching the intersection with speed and turning after stopping at a stop or red light.

When approaching with some speed, you should start braking before the turn while arriving at the intersection. Brake until you reach the appropriate speed, which should be around 15 to 25 km/h in normal driving conditions for a 90-degree turn. Then, start turning the steering wheel when the left edge of the sidewalk aligns with the lower right corner of your windshield. Accelerate when exiting the turn.

Brake before the turn while approaching the intersection, and not during the turn itself. Braking too hard when turning can make you lose control. If you need to brake, do so slightly unless it’s an emergency. When exiting the turn, accelerate.

While you should aim to maintain a speed of 15 to 25 km/h, you shouldn’t be fixated on your speedometer when turning as it will divert your attention from what’s happening in front of you. Instead, focus on where you want to go, and your brain will automatically adjust your speed. Glance quickly at your speedometer before reaching the intersection to get an idea of your speed, but prioritize looking ahead again.

Initially, you can use the left edge of the sidewalk aligned with the lower right corner of your windshield as a reference point. However, over time, you’ll develop the instinct to know when to turn and adjust your speed without relying on a specific reference point. Nevertheless, it can be helpful as a starting point for beginners. Avoid fixating solely on the reference point and stay aware of your surroundings.

The reference point for turning may vary based on your height and the type of vehicle you’re driving. It can also depend on the specific intersection, such as the presence of a parked bus. In such cases, you cannot use the edge of the sidewalk as a reference point. Instead, you can use the left edge of the bus’s bumper and start turning when it aligns with a construction panel or any other obstacle. The general principle is to turn when the lower right corner of your windshield aligns with the leftmost edge of the obstacle.

Remember, the speed at which you turn is crucial. If you turn too slowly, you risk hitting the sidewalk on your right. On the other hand, turning too fast can cause you to lose control and slide towards the left. Find the right balance in your turning speed.

When turning after stopping at a stop or red light, it’s important to avoid two common mistakes. Firstly, do not focus on the sidewalk because the tendency to stare at it can veer you towards it. Instead, focus on where you want to go. Secondly, ensure that you turn the steering wheel adequately and accelerate appropriately. Turning the wheel excessively without sufficient acceleration won’t take you where you want to go. Your vehicle needs speed for the steering wheel to have an effect.

When turning after stopping, start by looking at the right place – where you want to go. Then, accelerate and start turning your wheel when you see your right mirror aligned with the perpendicular sidewalk. If there are other obstacles, use the same principle of aligning your mirror with the leftmost edge of the obstacle. Adjust your turning based on the roundness of the corner of the sidewalk. If it’s a tight situation, such as a two-way street with a truck stopped on the corner, turn in the shape of an L instead of an arc. This allows you to maintain distance from the truck and have a better angle to enter the right lane.

Remember, the amount you need to turn the wheel will depend on the specific situation. If you have enough room in your lane, you can slightly move to the left to create more space between you and the truck. However, be careful not to overflow into the adjacent lane.

In conclusion, there are several variables to consider when driving, so these reference points may vary depending on different factors. They serve as good starting points to develop your skills, so practice and find what works best for your vehicle in different situations. Don’t forget to signal and perform proper verifications before every turn. Check the video description for related videos on other topics discussed in this video. In the next video, we’ll cover positioning yourself better before turning, turning priorities, and turning right at a red light.