SAFE TALK

MAKING TURNS AND PASSING OTHER VEHICLES

QHS&E COUNCIL JULY 2011

Introduction
For most of us, driving is both an integral and everyday part of our lives and something that is so commonplace that we rarely give it much thought. However, it is something that we need to think about because we are more likely to be seriously injured or even killed from a traffic related accident than from any other type of accident or even illness. In this Safe Talk we will review two of the most common driving situations that can lead to accidents.

Making Turns
Have you checked lately on the manner in which you make turns? Do you signal your intention to turn properly and show consideration for pedestrians and other drivers who might be affected. There is a right way to make turns in driving, with safety and without causing annoyance or danger to others. Letting everyone know just when and where you intend to turn-by signaling does it. Most countries have adopted turn signals laws in conformance with the Uniform Vehicle Code, which lists these rules for turning: Get in position. Dont turn unless you can do it with reasonable safety. That means that you must look ahead, decide where you want to turn, and be in a position to turn when you get there. To get into the correct lane, check your clearance and signal before changing lanes. This applies to intersections, traffic lanes, private roadways, driveways and passing cars. Start the turn signal in advance. Give a continuous turn signal for a distance of at least 30m (100 feet (60m or 200 feet on open highways). Dont make sudden moves. Slow down gradually but dont

stop or decrease speed suddenly without giving an appropriate signal, unless theres an emergency. Yield right-of-way. When youre in the intersection about to make a left turn, you should yield the right-of-way to any approaching vehicle or pedestrian in the intersection or close enough to be a hazard. Then make your turn into the proper lane. Drivers waiting in the intersection for traffic to clear should keep front wheels aimed straight ahead. If wheels are turned to the left, for the expected turn, a bump from the rear could force your car into the path of oncoming traffic. Dont turn too soon. You must keep to the right of the center line at the cross walk of the street you are leaving. As you complete your left turn and leave the intersection, you should drive to the right of the centerline of the roadway youre entering. When making a turn, dont swing wide around the center point of the intersection. When possible, the turn should be made to the inside of the intersection center. If you drive in a country where they drive on the left, you will need to substitute right for left, etc. In making a right turn, give the proper turn signal at the proper time and approach the intersection in the right-hand

lane, staying as close to the curb as possible. Never turn from a left-hand lane unless the traffic lanes are marked for this. Make your turn to end up in the righthand lane of the street youre entering. When you are turning from the inside lane where two lanes turn right, be careful to stay in your lane. Poor performance on your part could force the fellow on your right up onto the curb. U-turns are prohibited in many areas by city ordinance, and no signs are required to warn drivers. So it usually pays to avoid U-turns whenever possible. There are three things a driver must always remember before turning, changing lanes, or pulling into traffic from a parallel-parked position: Determine if it can be done safely. If it cannot, dont do it. Give proper signal at the proper time. Check your blind spots.

To Pass or Not To Pass

The most critical maneuver in highway driving is the operation of passing another vehicle. However, how many drivers really know the recommended way to pass another vehicle on the road How many still follow the technique of an earlier day

SAFE TALK
MAKING TURNS AND PASSING OTHER VEHICLES
QHS&E COUNCIL sneaking up behind the vehicle ahead, darting out into the passing lane, and scrambling to get past and crowd back in just ahead of the other vehicle. When you are up close to the lead vehicle, how can you know the passing lane is clear of oncoming traffic? If you pull out beside the lead vehicle and face an oncoming car, it may mean a fatal, head-on crash-or just a hair-raising scare, if youre lucky. You need about 1 km ( mile) for passing if the lead vehicle is moving at normal speed. JULY 2011 km ( mile) to get safely by is needed; pass only when the way is clear. During a heavy rain, the rate of precipitation may be a factor in judgment of when and where to pass. Driving at high speed in water too deep may cause hydroplaning of tires. Thats when you lose steering traction completely-so wait for a spot where water in the passing lane has drained off or blown off more completely. A curtain of spray from the other vehicles tires could cut off vision. If the way is clear, switch on the turn signal and move over all the way into the passing lane. Continue to accelerate until well past the other vehicle and you can see all of it in your rear-view mirror. Then use your right turn signal and move back into your lane. Move quickly to get around traffic and get back into your lane as soon as possible. Once back into your lane continue at slightly higher speed so as not to annoy the driver you just passed. Do not exceed the posted speed limit, or the reasonable limit dictated by conditions. Speaking of conditions, there are many situations where driving performance separates the good drivers from the poor. If the pavement is slippery from ice, snow or rain, the better driver has already chosen the safe speed and may not wish to try passing. In some cases, more than 1

Expert drivers do not wait and sneak up behind a slow moving vehicle to start their passing maneuver. They start preparing as soon as they decide that passing is necessary. The knowledgeable driver will never fudge on their space cushion (one vehicle length for every 15 km /10 miles per hour of speed), when preparing to move around other vehicles. As you get ready to pass, make sure your passing zone is clear by checking your rear view mirrors and turning your head to check your blind spots.

There are three circumstances when the better drivers choose not to pass: When the road has a high crown; When the road surface is bumpy; When they cant see a clear road ahead for more than 1 km or mile.

Conclusion
Driving is an acquired skill good driving is more than just skill behind the wheel, it is an attitude of mind. THINK ABOUT IT.

SAFE TALK
MAKING TURNS AND PASSING OTHER VEHICLES
QHS&E COUNCIL JULY 2011

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