U-Turns: How it’s Done Right

According to the National Safety Commission, “Crashes at intersections cause the most fatalities than any other type of crash location.”  First of all—I must admit that this particular statement did not surprise me much, given my chosen profession.

But what did surprise me was the next line I read on the Commission’s website, “Not only are red light runners responsible for the majority of these crashes but also drivers making U-Turns are often involved in these type crashes!”

U-Turns are one of those strange traffic rules that although may seem like a quick solution for a driver, can cause havoc for those on foot.  Because of the nature of the U-Turn practice, pedestrians are particularly at risk when a car comes whipping around a sharp corner.  As a result, the Commission has recently published a list of tips on how to avoid U-Turn disasters.

The list can also be found here: http://alerts.nationalsafetycommission.com/2010/04/making-safe-and-legal-u-turn.html.

Here are some rules you should follow when making a legal U-Turn:

• Plan your U-Turn by looking for pedestrians or individuals riding bicycles. This includes checking for pedestrians and others when you turn into the opposite direction.

• Always look to your left and right before beginning your turn.  If the light facing you has just turned green wait a second or two for possible red light runners approaching from another direction.

• It’s a good idea to take your foot off the accelerator moving it closer to the brake in case you have to make a sudden stop while making your U-Turn.  By keeping your foot closer to the brake, you will have a better chance of stopping your vehicle should an emergency arise.

• If you have entered an intersection when the signal light changes, complete your turn as soon as traffic clears. Never try to back up in an effort to avoid blocking the intersection.

• You may never make a U-Turn near the crest of a hill, a curve, or any other place where other drivers cannot see you from 500 feet away in the same direction.

• U-Turns may get you back to a location you missed and making a proper U-Turn assures you, you will get to your missed location with getting into a crash.