Safety Tips for U-turns

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Questions and Answers

Why is it important to keep a bigger gap between your car and a following truck or bus?

Trucks and buses are more maneuverable than cars

Trucks and buses are heavier than cars

Trucks and buses need more time to slow down than cars (correct)

Trucks and buses have better brakes than cars

What is the main reason you are likely to come off second best in a collision with a truck or bus?

Trucks and buses have better safety features

Trucks and buses have better brakes than cars

Trucks and buses have more powerful engines

Trucks and buses may be up to 40 times heavier than your car (correct)

What is the speed limit when driving through roadworks?

$40$ km/h (correct)

The normal speed limit for that road

60 km/h

80 km/h

What should you do when approaching roadworks?

Slow down and be prepared to stop Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to obey the roadworks signs and speed limits?

To avoid collisions with workers and machinery Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when driving through a roadworks site?

Scan for hazards and give workers/machinery a wide berth Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum safe gap needed to turn right from a 60km/h zone when the traffic is approaching from the left?

At least 6 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Why is a smaller gap needed on the right side when turning right?

Because you will more quickly clear the traffic approaching from the right Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum safe gap needed to turn right from a 60km/h zone when the traffic is approaching from the right?

At least 4 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Why is a larger gap needed on the left side when turning right?

Because you need more time to complete the turn on the far side of the road and accelerate to the speed of the traffic Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum time needed to get to the other side of the road when turning right?

At least 3 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of choosing a safe gap when turning right?

To allow other vehicles to maintain their current speed Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended alternative to making a U-turn if it is dangerous?

Make a three-point turn in a side street instead Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about U-turns is true according to the text?

U-turns are difficult and potentially dangerous, particularly on busy, high-speed roads Signup and view all the answers

According to the diagram, how many seconds does it take to cross a typical intersection from a stationary position on a two-way road?

3 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is an important hazard perception skill when crossing intersections?

Selecting safe gaps in traffic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about crossing intersections is true?

Crossing intersections can be almost as complicated as making a right turn Signup and view all the answers

What does the diagram suggest is the minimum distance required to cross a typical intersection on a two-way road from a stationary position?

50 meters Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Safe Gaps and Hazard Perception

Keep a bigger gap between your car and a following truck or bus, as they need more time to slow down than cars.
Trucks or buses can be up to 40 times heavier than your car, making it crucial to maintain a safe distance to avoid collisions.

Roadworks

Roadworks can be dangerous due to slow-moving heavy machinery, trucks, rough surfaces, no lane markings, and workers on or near the road.
Obey the roadworks signs and speed limits, even if other drivers seem to be ignoring them.
Scan ahead for roadwork signs, which are usually placed well in advance of the work site.
Approaching roadworks, slow down and be prepared to stop, and give workers and machinery a wide berth.

Right Turns

Gap selection for right turns is a skill that requires time and practice to develop.
In a 60km/h zone, you'll need a gap of at least 4 seconds between your car and vehicles approaching from the right, and a gap of at least 6 seconds from the left.
Choose a safe gap so other vehicles are not forced to change speed.

Turning Right at Cross Intersections

Turning right at a cross intersection with oncoming traffic and traffic from the right and left is harder and requires looking three ways to judge a safe gap.
You'll need to look for traffic approaching from the front, left, and right, and may be facing a Stop or Give Way sign.

U-Turns

U-turns can be difficult and potentially dangerous, particularly on busy, high-speed roads.
If it's dangerous to do a U-turn, don't – do a three-point turn in a side street instead.

Crossing Intersections

Almost half of provisional driver crashes happen at intersections, making selecting safe gaps when crossing intersections a crucial hazard perception skill.
Crossing intersections can be as complicated as making a right turn, requiring you to look for traffic approaching from the left and right, and oncoming traffic that may be turning right.
You'll usually be facing a Give Way or Stop sign, making the task demanding, particularly when the road is busy and traffic is traveling quickly.
It takes at least 3 seconds to cross a typical intersection on a two-way road from a stationary position.

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Description

Learn about the safety measures and precautions to take when making U-turns on busy and high-speed roads. Find out alternative techniques to avoid risky U-turns.