Two Point Turns – Turning Around When Driving

Two point turns: one of the many ways of turning around if you find yourself going in the wrong direction

Eliminate Unnecessary Backing

Whenever reversing, try to eliminate any extra backing up.  Reversing is generally not as safe as going forwards due to the reduced visibility & large blind zone behind a vehicle that could hide small objects, children, pets, etc. Additionally, you may only legally reverse when it is safe, so in the case of any collision you would likely be found at fault.

Using a Driveway or Lane

If using a driveway/lane on your left, pull forward into it and then reverse out so that you will just be reversing into half of the road (only one lane of traffic and not both), make sure you stay to the right half of the lane/driveway; as the front of the vehicle will swing out when you reverse.

If using a driveway on your right, go forward past the lane and then reverse into it, and then turn left.  Again, this is so that you are just reversing in half of the road (not reversing across the entire road). Check out the space you will be reversing into before you back up and then try not to let a lot of time go by.

Before backing, signal well in advance & do a 360 degree check for vehicles, pedestrians, etc.,

Keep in mind it’s illegal to reverse into an intersection or over a crosswalk  and driveways are private property; so it’s best to use a lane for two point turns.

Carmen Cohoe

Carmen became a driving instructor in beautiful North Vancouver at the age of 22 due to some crazy people who agreed to hire her. After that, there was never a dull moment teaching many different folks from many different places how to drive using automatic and standard vehicles and a minivan.

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