Hazard perception handbook - RTA

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Safe gaps – making U-turns
U-turns are more complicated than right turns as you need to look for traffic
approaching from behind you and traffic coming towards you. U-turns fall just
outside the five most common crash types for NSW provisional drivers. However,
some advice on coping with them is included as they are obviously hazardous for
new drivers.
fEATURES Of U-TURNS
U-turns are sharper than right turns. you have to cover more road to complete the
U-turn. Because it is a very tight turn, usually from a stationary (stand still) position,
you generally can’t accelerate quickly until you have completed the turn. Therefore
you need to be sure the gap is long enough to let you get up to the speed of the
stream of traffic you are entering. As with other turns, the faster the traffic, the
more time and space you will need to complete a U-turn.
A WORd Of CAUTION
U-turns are difficult and potentially dangerous, particularly on busy, high speed
roads. Unless you really have to make a U-turn, don’t. An alternative is to do a right
turn into a side street, make a three-point turn where it is quieter and safer, then
turn left back onto the road you left.
kEy POINTS SUMMARy: SAfE GAPS – U-TURNS
• U-turns can be difficult and dangerous.
• If it is dangerous to do a U-turn, don’t – do a three-point turn in a side street
instead.
Hazard perception handbook