Turning

At some point in your driving lifetime there may come a time when you will need to make a turn. Not often, mind you, but its been known to happen, and we think its best to prepare for all eventualities - just like the boy scout motto: 'let's see if it burns!' wait.. the OFFICIAL motto: 'Be Prepared'.

Now there are a few things to consider when making a turn while driving. First: know where you are turning. Sounds pretty simple, I know, but turning can be quite a process (at least you'd think so seeing some people attempt it) and so its best to avoid the last minute, wheel-squeaking, up-on-two-wheel turns that are so popular in some places. Knowing where we're turning lets us slow down a bit and keep any unsecured backseat passengers from getting to know each other too well.

Anyways, once we've determined ahead of time where we'd like to turn, we can begin the preparations with... the turn signal! (see previous post for details on this marvel of modern driving) In many places special lanes exist for people who wish to turn left and even those who are turning right. USE THEM! Left and right turn lanes allow people to exit the flow of traffic BEFORE they slow down to turn. Quite frankly I'm amazed at the people who slow down to a crawl and then get in the turn lane and speed up to make a turn (I'm convinced these are the same people who put on their pants to get in the shower).

Now these turn lanes aren't around everywhere, so when you need to make a turn without a lane, please consider the fact that it may be possible that the people behind you are not also turning (we're sure you're a popular person, but we may not be headed to the same place). Let's all help each other out and try to get out of the way as much as possible when slowing down for a turn. Thanks!