Keeping a good position on left turns (similar to right turns if you drive on the right)

Summary

This instructional video addresses the common challenge new drivers face when turning left at the end of roads or sharp bends. It explains the optical illusion caused by light traveling in straight lines, which makes the curb appear closer than it is, leading to unsafe driving. The solution involves ignoring the perceived curb position and focusing on keeping the car centered in its lane. The video offers practical tips, such as using the driver's leg position as a reference for the car's center, and emphasizes the importance of practice and overcoming instinctive fears to improve driving skills.

Takeaways

• 🚘 New drivers often struggle with turning left at the end of roads or sharp bends, tending to turn wide and potentially into oncoming traffic.
• 📏 To turn left correctly, drivers should aim to stay within their own lane and not veer far from the curb.
• 🌌 Light travels in straight lines, causing the road immediately in front of the car to be invisible due to the bonnet's obstruction.
• 👀 The closest visible part of the road from the driver's seat is typically about a car length away, depending on the car's shape.
• 🛣️ Drivers should ignore the perceived position of the curb because it appears closer than it is, which can lead to unsafe steering away from it.
• 🧭 Instead of focusing on the curb, drivers should aim to keep the middle of their car in the middle of the lane, using their leg position as a reference for the car's center.
• 🔄 It's crucial for new drivers to transition from looking at the sides of the car to understanding the spatial requirements of the entire lane.
• 🔄 When turning left, drivers should initially focus on the 'mouth' of the junction and then look across to the middle of the new road at the end of the bend.
• 🚧 Drivers should avoid looking too far up the road or too closely at the curb, instead focusing on the middle of their lane to maintain a proper turn.
• 🛑 At the end of the road, prioritize steering and positioning before looking right to check for oncoming traffic, to avoid turning out too wide.
• 🔄 Practice and patience are key for new drivers to overcome the instinct to look right too early and to instead focus on proper steering and positioning.

Q & A

What is the main issue new drivers face when turning left at the end of the road or on sharp bends?

New drivers tend to turn too wide, ending up far from the curb, which can be unsafe if oncoming traffic is present.

Why is it important for drivers to stay within their own lane when turning left?

Staying within one's lane prevents potential accidents with oncoming traffic or vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.

How does the concept of light traveling in straight lines affect a driver's visibility while turning?

Light cannot curve around the car's bonnet, so drivers cannot see the road immediately in front of the car, which can lead to misjudging the position of the curb.

What is the approximate distance a driver can see from the front of their car to the curb when driving an average hatchback?

The closest part of the road a driver can typically see is about a car length away, depending on the car's shape.

How can a driver determine the middle of their car from inside the vehicle?

A driver can estimate the middle of the car by feeling where their left leg feels like it's standing, which is roughly the center of the car.

Why is it difficult for new drivers to judge the position of the curb while turning left?

The curb appears closer than it actually is due to the straight-line path of light, causing drivers to feel like they are going to hit the curb and leading them to steer away from it.

What is the recommended approach for a driver to stay in the middle of their lane while turning left?

Drivers should focus on the middle of their lane and aim to keep the center of their car in the middle of the gap, ignoring the perceived position of the curb.

Why should drivers avoid looking at the sides of their car or the front of the car while turning left?

Focusing on the sides or front of the car can lead to incorrect steering as these do not accurately represent the car's trajectory or position in the lane.

What is a common mistake new drivers make when approaching the end of the road for a left turn?

New drivers often spend too much time looking right to check for oncoming traffic, neglecting to properly position their car for the turn and ending up on the wrong side of the road.

How can new drivers improve their left-turn technique at the end of the road?

New drivers should focus on positioning their car well and controlling their steering and braking first, then look to the right to check for traffic before proceeding with the turn.

What advice is given for new drivers who are struggling with turning left at the end of the road?

New drivers should persevere, practice the technique over several weeks or lessons, and gradually incorporate checking for oncoming traffic while maintaining control of their vehicle.