Low-Risk Driving  a skill for LIFE 

- - - - - - - - - - Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - - - - - - - - - - ISBN No. 0 09577 426 06   

   Your  SAFETY  is  Driving

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A.6   CORNERS  (The  20/20/2 - 10/10/1 System)

(This chapter deals with suburban corners, normally right angle turns. Driving through bends is described in ‘Country driving’.)

Before explaining what the figures 20/20/2 - 10/10/1 mean, let’s refresh our knowledge of the System of Car Control:

After deciding which way to turn, right or left, check mirrors, indicate and brake to the correct speed. Beginner drivers have no concept of how fast this is. Either they approach too fast, giving the instructing person a fright or they stop far too short of the junction or intersection to gain a clear view.

The correct speed depends on the following 5 factors:

 

1. The driver’s experience   Beginners must approach far slower than a learner about to take the test.
2. Visibility How far into the side road can you see?
3. Give-Way rules When facing a give way sign or approaching from the stem of a T-junction, drive much slower. Look for pedestrians in the vicinity.
4. Left or right turn A left turn involves giving way to traffic from one direction only.
5. The vehicle Allow time for gear changing in a manual vehicle.

Beginner drivers best stop before turning, unless, of course turning from a priority road and/or the give way rules are in their favour. This is especially vital for turns out of junctions and/or there is no view into the side road.

After a few lessons try using the 20/20/2 formula: brake smoothly so that 20 metres before any corner you reach 20 km/h speed. At this stage decide, if you can maintain speed, considering above factors.

If yes - change to 2nd gear. This should be completed (clutch off the floor) before the corner, turn the steering wheel and gently accelerate out of the corner. Braking may be in order, even while still gear changing (downhill).

If no - clutch down and keep reducing speed so that 10 meters before the junction your speed is 10 km/h. While rolling (keep momentum with foot on or over brake) change to 1st gear. When a view is obtained and it is clear, withdraw clutch and gently accelerate around the corner. (Do not apply this approach at a STOP sign!)

In an automatic vehicle the approach is almost identical, except there’s no gear to change. Keep your foot on or over the brake, ready to stop, until a clear view is obtained.

In general terms:

Use the 20/20/2 rule (turn in second gear) when entering a side road or when give way rules are in your favour, unless speed is very slow.

Use the 10/10/1 rule (slow or stop, apply first gear) when exiting a junction or when you may have to give way, unless the speed allows second gear. Third gear is seldom used for turning corners in cities, towns or suburbs.

 

This picture  shows how NOT to approach a left-hand turn!

Left turns:  Position the vehicle parallel to the kerb as you approach your turn. You are less of a problem to traffic behind.

 

Below and above: Incorrect positioning of turning vehicles

This picture shows how NOT to approach a right-hand turn

Right turns: Position towards left of centre position as not to block traffic behind.

Keep the car and wheels straight! This is important whenever facing oncoming traffic. Should you get hit from behind (the van) you will not get thrown into oncoming traffic. 

When turning right, usually turn your steering wheel quickly right, but back early and slowly.

For left turn it's the opposite: Turn the steering wheel slowly left. Just before completing the corner, turn the wheel back quickly to the right, and continue in a straight path.

In order to avoid 'cutting a corner' (right turn only) do not turn the steering wheel, until your can see up the footpath of the road you are entering! Otherwise cutting the corner risk a collision with traffic approaching the junction or intersection you are entering.

Lastly, for a right turn, (in Australia) aim to be entering the side road you are entering toward the left of centre position. After the turn resume the normal drive 'as far left as practicable' position.

 Cutting the corner is driving on the wrong side of the road 

Disclaimer: Above information could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use the information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. Site copyright ©driving-school.com.au  2001 Revised 6/2010

 Here is a little test to remember what you have learned. Firstly, answer the True / False question. Secondly, using the letter beside the correct answer, form a word. All answers are on this page!

 T>   U

 To turn a suburban corner may have to be done at 10 km/h.  F>   H
 T>   S When turning right - position the vehicle toward the centre of the road.  F>   E
 T>   G At a Give-Way sign I don't slow down, if traffic is behind.  F>   E

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