A Few Tips and Tricks in Making a U-turn

Every driver has done a U-turn at some points in his/her driving life. It does seem very simple to do however; it really takes some skill to do a U-turn especially in different traffic situations. My personal rule here is to be beside the center lane as much as possible until I complete the turn. Let me share some tips on how to effectively navigate a U-turn.

One of the most dangerous aspects of the U-turn is when you complete the turn on the other lane. If there are incoming vehicles especially if you're on a highway, if you U-turn too widely, you can hit incoming vehicles or vice versa.

One a two-way road with singles lanes for both traffic, this proves to be a challenge especially if the road is narrow. Most of the time, in this situation, there's no other choice but to maneuver back and forth until you are able to complete the U-turn. Just make sure you do it with no or few vehicles around. Be considerate and don't become an obstruction.

If there's enough space, the best way to do a U-turn is to be on the second lane from the center and then turn into the U-turn deep. The way I measure if I'm doing it right is when the middle of my car is perpendicular to the center line. I can easily turn into the innermost lane on the other side when I successfully achieve this position.

One really bad decision is to the cut a vehicle so that you'll be in the inner lane into the U-turn. There are a couple of things wrong here. First of all, you'll have a hard time going back straight into the other side. You'll most likely turn too wide and go to the second lane or further on the other side. Next, it is very inconsiderate to the one you're cutting. He/she must have been there first and they have the right of way to do the U-turn first.

U-turn drifting is such a classy but very dangerous move. Please do not do this on public roads. This should only be done in controlled environments such as race tracks and test roads with emergency equipments and professionals. It takes some skill and a lot of practice to be able to pull off a good U-turn drift. Usually, you can just hit the handbrakes and then quickly turn the wheels into the turn then immediately turning it towards the other direction for the drift. Once you've felt the position is good to pull out of the corner, drive straight and hit the gas hard.

These are just some of the ways you can navigate through a U-turn. Follow traffic rules and if there's a no U-turn sign, don't force it. It's there for a reason and it's most of the time for your on safety. Just remember to be considerate to other drivers, be careful and do it carefully. Drive safely!