5c – Turning and Passing
5 c- TURNING & PASSING
5 c- TURNING & PASSING
5 c- TURNING & PASSING
HOW TO MAKE A HAND-SIGNAL (for any vehicle, including bikes and bicycles) AWARE THAT THE LEFT ARM MAY BE USED EVEN TO INDICATE A TURN TO THE RIGHT… Why use your left arm to turn right? Cars are passing cyclists FROM THEIR LEFT, so the driver will see the hand-signal better.
RIGHT-TURN HAND-SIGNAL To signal your intention to turn right, rest your left elbow on the window-sill and raise your forearm so it forms a 90-degree angle with your arm. Keep your left-hand open, facing front, with all fingers straight up or the signal may be misunderstood for another one. Do the same when riding a bicycle. This does not seem logical since it is easy for a bicyclist to raise their right arm to turn right, but this is a conventional sign for ANY vehicle, and in a wide vehicle only the left hand can take a signal. Besides this, cars are passing from the bicycle’s left side so a LEFT-turn signal will be more visible if done with the left arm.
LEFT TURN SIGNAL To make a left-turn hand-signal, act as if you’re physically blocking someone with your arm. Just stick out your left arm straight out with your hand extended past the side mirror.
STOP OR SLOW DOWN HAND-SIGNAL To let other drivers know that you plan to stop or slow down, stick your left arm out the window, pointing down, with your palm facing the vehicles behind you. A teen’s first practice turns should be done in a large, open parking lot or another area without traffic. Practice right turns first. When you begin completing turns on streets with traffic, be sure to instruct to turn at least 200 feet in advance. To help judge distances in feet, note that light poles on city streets are typically about 100 feet apart
TURNS
Turning at Intersections
1. Check the following traffic, signal, and slow down at least 100 feet in advance.
2. Scan all directions for traffic, pedestrians, and bicycles.
3. If stopping, stop behind the signal, limit line or crosswalk as appropriate.
4 Leave wheels straight. This will show opposite cars that you do not intend to turn right away.
5. Proceed when safe and travel at least 150 feet before any lane change.
Multiple Turn Lanes at an Intersection
1. Identify which of the multiple lanes you will use as soon as they are visible.
2. Signal 100 feet before entering the turn lane.
3. Complete the lane change safely (maintain following distance, identify a gap, check blind spots).
4. Check the intersection for traffic control devices, oncoming and cross traffic, pedestrians, etc.
5. Stop if required. Ensure the turn signal remains on.
6. When the signal turns green, look left and right to ensure your path is clear of traffic and pedestrians.
7. Steer into the lane corresponding to the one from which the turn was made.
Right Turn On Red
You may turn on red
Yield with caution
You may not turn on red
If it is not clear or safe to complete a right turn on red, you do not have to do it.
1. Come to a complete stop behind the limit line or crosswalk. Leave wheels straight.
2. Know the speed limit of the street you are pulling on to. Remember traffic may flow at 5 to 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
3. Scan all directions. You must be able to see clearly to your left and right for 2 blocks without pulling into the crosswalk.
4. Look to the right and in your right blind spot for pedestrians and bicyclists who may be entering the intersection.
5. Look to the left and judge the oncoming traffic: • Do I have enough time and space?
• How fast is traffic moving towards me? (Check for motorcycles and vehicles changing lanes.)
• Can I gradually accelerate?
• Am I comfortable doing this? • Should I wait for a green light?
6. Complete the turn only if it is safe.
U-Turns
Practice u-turns in areas with little or no traffic at first. Do not attempt them in traffic until the student has mastered judging space and maneuvering the vehicle. U-turns using alleys or driveways should never be attempted on busy streets.
No U-turn means NO U-turn! In Nevada, U-turns are generally allowed on any road when they can be made safely. They are prohibited anytime a traffic sign or signal prohibits them. In business districts, except at an intersection, on curves, and near a grade where there are less than 500 feet of visibility in both directions.
1. Scan ahead for an intersection or appropriate area to make the turn. Make sure that a U-turn is not illegal in this location. Ensure the street is wide enough to accommodate the turn radius of your vehicle.
2. Signal, merge into the left lane or turn lane, if necessary, signal and slow down or stop.
3. Scan again to be sure that you have enough room to make the turn without hitting the curb or any parked cars. Look for pedestrians and vehicles that may be turning right at the intersection.
4. Check for oncoming traffic and traffic in all directions.
5. Release the brake, use idle speed or press the accelerator lightly at the same time while turning the steering wheel as far as it will go in the direction you want to turn.
6. Lift your foot off the accelerator and coast through the turn. Press the accelerator lightly as needed.
7. Steer smoothly into the travel lane and accelerate.
U-Turn Using an Alley or Driveway on the Right
1. Signal a right turn 100 feet in advance, check traffic to the sides and rear of the vehicle.
2. If safe, stop just beyond the alley or driveway and shift to reverse.
3. Back slowly (looking through the rear window) until the rear bumper of the vehicle reaches the near edge of the driveway.
4. Turn to steer to the right as you continue backing slowly.
5. Straighten the wheels as the vehicle centers in the driveway.
6. Stop as the vehicle clears the edge of the road.
7. Signal a left turn, shift to drive, check traffic in both directions. 8. Complete the left turn smoothly when safe.
U-Turn Using an Alley or Driveway on the Left
1. Select a driveway where the view will not be blocked when backing into the street.
2. Signal intention to turn left and check the mirrors. Slow down, stop if necessary.
3. Turn into the driveway or alley as near as possible to the right side.
4. Stop as the rear of the vehicle clears the curb or edge of the driveway.
5. Signal a right turn, shift to reverse, and check traffic in all directions.
6. When safe, back slowly while turning the steering wheel to the right.
7. As vehicle centers in the nearest lane, straighten wheels, stop, shift to drive.
8. Move forward smoothly, adjust the vehicle position, and cancel the right signal.
Always signal your intention way in advance for the car in front of you, as well as for the one behind you. Where traffic moves in the opposite directions, you may pass on the left only when: —— You can see ahead and there is no immediate oncoming traffic, —— There is a broken yellow line on the highway or when the broken yellow line is in your lane, and —— It is safe to do so.
When You are Being Passed If another vehicle is passing you on the left-hand side of the road, allow the other vehicle to pass safely and do not increase your speed.
Passing and Being Passed- Either by a car or a wheel without a car...
Safe passing rules depend on the type of street or highway you are using. However, you should never exceed the speed limit to pass and you may never use the shoulder of the road to pass.
Speed up by about 10-15 mph over the speed of the vehicle that you are passing. After you pass the vehicle in front of you, look over your right shoulder and make sure that it is clear and you have enough space to return to your lane and then safely return to your lane.
Also, you should never use a central lane for passing, those are meant to safely slow down and yield to opposite vehicles when turning left. You may not travel more than 200 feet in those lanes or no more than 50 feet when merging to the traffic on your right. See Lesson #4 –
Passing on a two-lane road is extremely dangerous
DO NOT ACCELERATE when someone is passing you on a 2-way street.
It takes a lot of distance to pass someone, if you accelerate, that distance will increase tremendously and you may provoke an accident
DO NOT PASS IF YOU ARE NOT 100 PERCENT sure you can do this safely.NO GUESS ALLOWED.
On a two-lane road, you have to calculate the time and the distance needed to pass a moving vehicle.
The distance you need will increase depending on its speed and you will have to be driving for a long distance toward oncoming traffic
Do not take a chance if a vehicle is coming on the opposite lane and approaching at the same speed as you are, so the closing speed between both cars will reduce twice faster. If you are driving 70 mph the closing speed will be 140 mph, meaning the distance available will reduce by half. Calculate a much-greater distance if you are towing a trailer or if you are passing one.
DO NOT PASS IF YOU ARE NOT 100 PERCENT sure you can do this safely.NO GUESS ALLOWED.
On a two-lane road, you have to calculate the time and the distance needed to pass a moving vehicle. The distance you need will increase depending on its speed and you will have to be driving for a long distance toward oncoming traffic Do not take a chance if a vehicle is coming on the opposite lane and approaching at the same speed as you are, so the closing speed between both cars will reduce twice faster. If you are driving 70 mph the closing speed will be 140 mph, meaning the distance available will reduce by half. Calculate a much-greater distance if you are towing a trailer or if you are passing one.
More on Traffic Signs and Markings
On highways or freeways, only change one lane at a time.
When changing lanes to pass or to prepare for a turn, you must signal your intention to do so at least 300 feet before changing lanes or turning.
Do not weave in and out of lanes. This action will greatly increase your risk of an accident.
On the highway, slower vehicles should use the right lane. Leave the left-hand lane for faster moving or passing vehicles.
Failure to evaluate the right time and distance needed
will cause a serious accident, possibly a head-on collision.
imagine the impact at 150 mph (twice 75) – to 0 mph in 1 second.
As a result, you want to make sure you can safely pass in that limited distance, including your return to the right lane without cutting off the vehicle you are passing.
- Ensure you can pass without going over the speed limit.
It can be frustrating to be behind someone driving slow, but if they are driving less than 15 miles under the speed limit, it may be best to stay put - You’ll have to increase your speed up to 20 miles to pass, so be sure you’re aware of the speed limit where you are.
- Be aware that speed limits can drop dramatically, up to 30 miles, along some country roads upon arriving in a town.
WHEN PASSING :
Always signal your intention way in advance for the car in front of you, as well as for the one behind you.
- Where traffic moves in the opposite directions, you may pass on the left only when:
- You can see ahead and there is no immediate oncoming traffic within at least 1/4 of a mile,
- There is a broken yellow line on the highway or when the broken yellow line is in your lane, and
- It is safe to do so.
When You are Being Passed If another vehicle is passing you on the left-hand side of the road, allow the other vehicle to pass safely and do not increase your speed.
IMPORTANT
When passing, in cities, business, or residential areas.
Turn your left signal light on
100 feet ahead
In other areas: meaning highways, freeways,
and when the speed limit is over 40 mph:
TURN YOUR SIGNAL ON
300 FEET AHEAD
After you have passed, pull back into your lane
when you can see the vehicle you passed
in your rear-view mirror.
When You Must Not Pass On a Two-Way Road
- When coming to a curve or to the top of a hill where you cannot see far enough ahead to be sure it is safe,
- At or within 100 feet of a street crossing,
- At or within 100 feet of a railroad crossing, bridge, viaduct, or tunnel,
- Where there is a double solid yellow line on the highway,
- Where signs prohibit passing,
- When you are approaching the crest of a hill or grade in the road,
- When another vehicle comes up behind yours and signals to pass. If so, move to the right in your travel lane and let them pass.
Never speed up when another vehicle is passing you.
Fatal Misjudment Passing a Truck on a two-Way road
IT IS NOT SAFE EVEN IF YOU ARE IN A SO-CALLED “PASSING’ZONE”, with MARKINGS and SIGNS SAYING “YOU CAN PASS”
YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO DECIDES WHEN IT IS SAFE TO PASS.
if you feel pressure from drivers behind you, slow down and let them pass.
BUT STILL, BE AWARE THAT IF THEY CREATE AND ACCIDENT YOU MAY STILL BE INVOLVED, SO KEEP YOUR DISTANCE.
You may arrive home before them…
On Multi-Lane Streets and Highways
You may pass vehicles traveling in the same direction on the left if there are no signs or highway markings that indicate passing is not allowed and it can be done safely.
Remember to signal, check your mirrors for traffic and look over your shoulder before moving out of your lane.
Never pass to the left of a driver who is making or signaling a left turn.
You may pass on the right if the street or highway is marked for two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction you are, but only when passing is safe.
Passing on the right is very dangerous if the other driver does not see you and decides to change lanes.
Never pass on the right when doing so would result in driving off the paved portion of the highway.
Again, remember to signal, check your mirrors and look over your shoulder to check your blind spots before you change lanes.
Passing Commercial Vehicles
You may have the right of way and maybe right…don’t be dead right!!!
They are much bigger and heavier than you, be smart! Do not play Peek-a-Boo.
Over 200,000 crashes occur between cars and commercial vehicles each year.
Many of these crashes could be avoided by keeping these points in mind:
HOW MUCH TIME I WOULD NEED TO PASS A TRUCK THAT IS GOING 60 MPH?
It depends on its length. and your own speed.
Assuming the oncoming traffic is doing 70mph your closing speed is 150mph. If you were less than a 1/4 mile away when you tried the pass you will be dead, and 1/4 of a mile is still a risky shot.
TO BE RELATIVELY SAFE You will probably want a mile beyond the oncoming traffic.
You will need over a mile of straight road to pass a 50 feet long truck going 5mph below the speed limit Do not attempt passing if you are on a 2-way-lane road. wait for a better opportunity or take a break and relax.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE:
A truck driving at 60 mph cover 1/4 of a mile in 15 seconds.
If you are passing this truck on a two way-lane going 65mph
YOU WILL NEED 14 SECONDS TO COVER THE SAME DISTANCE, Meaning you will be 1 second ahead after 1/4 of a mile so you can return to the right lane.
14 SECONDS IS A VERY LONG TIME!!! TRY TO COUNT IT LOUD NOW:
” -One thousand and one
– one thousand and two
-one thousand three, etc..”
until one thousand and fourteen…plus 3 seconds to go to the right lane
DO YOU THINK THIS WOULD BE SAFE on a 2-way-lane road?
- • Large commercial vehicles cannot maneuver like a car or other smaller vehicles.
- • Large commercial vehicles have much larger blind spots than smaller vehicles.
- • Large commercial vehicles take more time and space to slow down, turn, or stop.
- • Most crashes between large commercial trucks and smaller cars are caused by car drivers.
- • In commercial vehicles and small car accidents, the people in cars are much more likely to be killed or injured than the driver of the commercial vehicle.
When passing a truck from the right, if it is a large truck it may pull first to the left to make a wide turn.to its right. Do not assume you can pass to the right because you have space.
Besides this, passing on the right places you in a NO ZONE (blind zone for the truck driver).
Passing Bicyclists
This hand sign (left hand up) means turning right. it seems illogical but all hand signals from a cyclist are made with the left hand because it is the one close to passing cars and in better view. Also, the bike’s rear brake is on the right so raising the right hand is dangerous.
When passing a cyclist, a motorist must move into the lane to the left if there is more than one lane for traffic in the same direction exists, and doing so is reasonably safe.
If an adjacent lane does not exist, pass to the left of the cyclist at a safe distance, which must be at least three feet.
The motorist may not move back to the right until the vehicle is safely clear of the cyclist.
Traveling in a marked bicycle lane is prohibited. Passing Parked Vehicles
If you are driving past parked vehicles, stay alert!
Watch for any sign that a vehicle may be pulling out in front of you, such as:
- The turn signal is on,
- White backup lights are on,
- Red brake lights are on,
- The exhaust is coming from the tailpipe.
- Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, or skateboarders trying to cross between parked cars.
- Watch for vehicle doors opening in front of or beside you.
PASSING IS THE MOST DANGEROUS SITUATION SO THERE IS ONE MORE VIDEO ABOUT IT.
End of Topic 5 c :” TURNING & PASSING””
Topic 5 d: PARKING & BACKING-UP”