Approaching a junction to turn left or right

Recap :    MSPSL.

Objective :    To approach both left and right turns and to negotiate safely and under control with regard to all other road users. 

Main points :   Using MSPSL. Good use of mirrors, signalling at correct time, adopting correct position for the turn, speed of approach and selecting correct gear, not coasting, good observation as turning into road, and correct position of car in new road.

Briefing :

Left turn  -

If road width allows keep your driving line approx 1 mtr from kerb.    Start MSPSL routine. Make good mirror checks and signal left at the appropriate time. Ease off gas and brake gently selecting correct gear for the corner - usually 2nd. Bring clutch up, easing off the brake, - not coasting! Driving too slowly on approach will hinder others progress, driving too fast could swing you wide on the turn ending up on the wrong side of the new road. Just before you turn, especially in slow moving traffic, check your left mirror to ensure a cyclist is not creeping alongside between you and the pavement. Be aware of any vehicles stopping and/or parked before or just around the corner, or pedestrians who may be about to cross the road. If this is the case you will need to brake even slower and probably select 1st gear, creeping and peeping as you turn into the new road. You may even need to drive with the clutch slightly depressed just above the biting point.                      Avoid turning too early or too sharply - the rear wheel may mount the kerb.                                                                                                                 After entering the new road, check mirrors to see what is happening behind, and if safe, speed up adopting a normal driving line.                    Ensure that your signal has self-cancelled.

Right  turn -

From your normal driving position start MSPSL routine. Make good mirror checks and signal right at the appropriate time. Move into position early, steering to the right and adopt a line as close as is sensible to the centre of the road. (On a narrow road you may still be quite close to the left kerb, but if the centre of the road is marked then the right side of the car should be just to the left of the white line). Drive at a sensible speed towards the junction, braking gently and select the correct gear - usually 2nd. Be aware of oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing at the junction because they both have priority. If you can turn safely into the road without stopping ensure that you are off brake and clutch is up - not coasting.                                                                                                       Avoid turning too early (cutting across corner) or too late (overshooting). If you cannot cross into the new road safely, stop with the front of the car just short of the centre of the junction. Select first gear and assess the gaps between the traffic coming towards you - if you could safely walk across the main road then you have time to drive into the new road. Keep observing into the road to ensure that you have enough room - you must not drive forward and then stop with the rear of your vehicle blocking the main road.                                                                                  After entering the new road, check mirrors to see what is happening behind, and if safe, speed up adopting a normal driving line.                   Ensure that your signal has self-cancelled.

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