How much to turn the steering wheel - Junctions & Bends

Summary

This video explains the key to proper steering while driving, emphasizing that focusing on how much to turn the wheel is less important than where you're looking. The instructor highlights the importance of looking far ahead within your lane, without cutting corners or crossing lanes, and using the center of your lane as a guide. Techniques for handling turns, junctions, and steering are discussed, alongside the importance of using focused vision for steering accuracy and peripheral vision for hazard awareness. The video offers practical advice for new drivers struggling with steering and lane placement.

Takeaways

• 🔄 If you're asking how much to turn the wheel, you're focusing on the wrong thing; focus on where you're going instead.
• 👁️ Look as far as you can within your lane, but make sure your line of sight doesn't cut across another lane or path.
• 🚗 Aim to steer the car by focusing on a target ahead, turning the wheel until it feels like you're heading towards that point.
• 🔧 When turning at junctions, start steering when the side of your car reaches the beginning of the bend, and always look ahead to guide your path.
• 🛑 Avoid focusing on where the front of your car is pointing; instead, feel where your body is heading in the car.
• 🧠 Use your focused vision for steering accuracy and your peripheral vision for awareness of your surroundings and hazards.
• 🔄 Nervous drivers often focus on distant potential hazards instead of their immediate path, leading to poor steering.
• 🚘 On right turns, aim for the middle of your lane and avoid turning too early to prevent ending up on the wrong side of the road.
• 🚧 Focus on where you want to go, not the problems around you. This ensures better steering accuracy and lane control.
• 📏 Many learner drivers use peripheral vision for steering, which is inaccurate. Use focused vision for position and peripheral for awareness.

Q & A

Why shouldn't you focus on how much to turn the steering wheel while driving?

Focusing on how much to turn the wheel distracts you from looking at where you're going. It's similar to looking at your feet when walking. Instead, you should focus on the road and the direction you're heading, adjusting the wheel as needed.

Where should you be looking when steering around bends?

You should look as far as you can within your lane, without letting your vision stray over to the wrong side of the road or the curb. This helps you stay in control and steer more accurately.

What common mistake do nervous drivers make when approaching bends?

Nervous drivers often look too far ahead at potential hazards instead of focusing on the bend they are navigating. This can cause them to drift or misjudge the curve of the road.

Where should you start steering when making a left turn at a junction?

You should begin steering when the side of your car reaches the beginning of the bend. Look as far as you can without cutting the corner, and then steer smoothly around the turn.

How do you avoid oversteering when turning right at a junction?

To avoid oversteering, you should look at the middle of your lane just beyond your current road. This helps you aim for the correct position and prevents you from turning too much, which could lead you to cross into the wrong lane.

Why is it important not to rely on where the front of your car is pointing?

The front of your car may not accurately indicate where you're heading. You should feel where your body is going and steer accordingly, as the wheels may be pointed in a different direction.

What is the 'swan neck' mistake and how can it be avoided?

The 'swan neck' mistake occurs when a driver steers too late, resulting in the car going wide before returning to the correct lane. To avoid this, you should start steering earlier and aim for the correct point in your lane.

How can you improve your peripheral vision awareness while driving?

Use your peripheral vision to remain aware of hazards around you but rely on your focused vision for accurate positioning. This helps you stay aware of your surroundings without compromising your lane placement.

Why should you focus on solutions rather than problems when driving?

Focusing on where you can go and what you can do helps you navigate more effectively. If you focus too much on problems, like potential hazards, you might lose sight of where you need to go, making driving harder.

What is a useful exercise to understand the importance of focused vision in driving?

A useful exercise is to try drawing a straight line while only focusing on a distant target. This demonstrates how relying on peripheral vision for accuracy is difficult and why focused vision is important for proper lane positioning.