Safe Driving (Maneuvers)

Antilock Brakes

If your vehicle has antilock brakes, be sure that you understand how they work. Check your vehicle owner's manual and practice braking before you go out on the road. Remember, never pump antilock brakes.

Perception time

The time it takes you to recognize a hazard

When driving a vehicle with a light to medium trailer attached:

-always allow for the added length of the trailer when you change lanes -if your trailer starts to sway, slow down -when backing up, place your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. If you cannot see where you are backing up, have someone outside to help guide you. To back the trailer to the left, use your left hand to move the wheel left. To back the trailer to the right, use your right hand to move the wheel to the right.

Wide Turns

trucks, buses and RVs sometimes need to swing wide to the left or right in order to safely make a turn. they can't see the cars directly behind or beside them. In fact, their blind spots may stretch up to 20 feet in front of the cab and approximately 200 feet behind the vehicle. Never try to squeeze between a truck, bus or RV and the curb or another vehicle.

Side No-Zones

trucks, tractor trailers, buses and RVs have big no-zones on both sides, which are dangerous because these vehicles must make wide turns. these no-zones or blind spots are much larger than your car's blind spots. if you can't see the driver's face in his side view mirror, then he can't see you

Rear No-Zone

trucks, tractor trailers, buses and RVs have huge no-zones directly behind them. the driver can't see your car behind his vehicle and you can't see what's happening in traffic ahead of his vehicle. if the truck, bus or rv brakes or stops suddenly, you have no place to go and could crash into the vehicle's rear end. always maintain a safe following distance

When driving in rural areas

watch for hidden intersections and driveways, curves, hills and different road conditions. Watch for other vehicles, especially trucks, oversized and slow-moving farm vehicles, and bicycles.

Increase your following distance

when driving: behind a large vehicle that blocks your vision - in bad weather or heavy traffic - when exiting an expressway - behind a motorcycle or bicycle - when being tailgated

Drivers need to change following distance

when speed or road conditions change. Hand response time is close to a half second. Foot response time is normally three-quarters of a second. This does not take into account any delay in perception time as a result of the driver being tired, on medication, distracted, etc. Road conditions, speed, driver alertness, and even following vehicles of different weights all change the ability to stop.

Looking ahead

will help you identify risks early and provide you with more time to react. Expert drivers try to focus their eyes 20 to 30 seconds ahead. In the city, that equals approximately one block. Avoid staring at the middle of the road. Scan from side to side, checking for traffic signs and signals, cars or people that might be in the road by the time you reach them.

Every time you get behind the wheel,

you accept responsibility for your actions. You must obey Virginia's traffic laws, and ensure the safety of you, your passengers, and other motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists on the roadways.

Parking uphill with a curb

Turn front wheels left

Parking downhill with a curb

Turn front wheels right

Parking downhill — no curb

Turn front wheels right

Parking uphill — no curb

Turn front wheels right

Parking on a hill: With a curb

Turn the front wheels of your vehicle to prevent it from rolling into the street.

Parking on a hill: Without a curb

Turn the front wheels so that if the vehicle rolls, the rear of the vehicle will roll away from traffic.

look Behind

Use your rearview mirror to check the traffic behind you frequently, about every 10 seconds. This will alert you if someone is moving up too quickly or tailgating you. Check the traffic behind you when changing lanes, backing up, slowing down quickly or driving down a long, steep hill.

Roundabouts

are circular intersections with an island in the center and have one or more lanes. Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, and to traffic already in the circle. Each road approaching the roundabout is marked with a yield sign and may also have yield line markings on the pavement. Drivers must pay attention and obey the signs. After entering the roundabout, drivers must travel in a counter-clockwise direction. When approaching a roundabout, slow down. Use your turn signals to indicate where you want to go. If you plan to turn right, stay to the right as you enter the roundabout. If you plan to go straight, you may stay in either lane (if it is a dual lane circular intersection). If you plan to turn left, stay to the left as you enter the roundabout.

These requirements do not apply in

highway work zones

Approaching vehicles - same direction

- Never follow an emergency vehicle closer than 500 feet when its lights are flashing. - When police, fire and rescue vehicles or ambulances approach you from behind your vehicle using a siren, flashing lights or both, you must immediately yield the right-of-way. Safely pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Stationary (Stopped) vehicles

- When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights on a highway, proceed with caution and, if reasonable, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, change to a lane not next to the vehicle. If you are unable to safely change lanes, reduce your speed and proceed with caution. Violations can result in court suspension of your driver's license and demerit points on your driving record. - When passing stationary vehicles in the process of trash collection on a highway of at least four lanes, change to a lane not next to the vehicle, if you can change lanes safely. If on a highway of fewer than four lanes or if you are unable to change lanes, slow down to 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and pass at least two feet to the left of the vehicle. - When passing a stationary mail vehicle, proceed with caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions. - You may not park within 500 feet of where fire trucks or equipment are stopped answering an alarm.

Examples of yielding the right-of-way

- When vehicles from different directions arrive at an intersection at different times, the vehicle that arrives first goes first. - When vehicles from different directions arrive at the same time at an intersection with no signs or signals, the driver on the left must allow the driver on the right to go first. - If the traffic lights at an intersection are not working, all vehicles coming to the intersection must stop. The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. - Drivers entering an interstate from an entrance ramp must yield the right-of-way to traffic already on the highway. - Drivers entering any intersection or roundabout must yield to traffic already in it. - When entering a roadway from a private road or driveway, you must stop and yield to all traffic and pedestrians. - You must yield to pedestrians or bicyclists who are crossing a street within a clearly marked crosswalk or at an unmarked intersection. Remember that turns on red are especially hazardous to pedestrians. Avoid conflict with pedestrians and bicyclists; permit them to cross the street safely. - You must yield to funeral processions. Do not cut through, join or interfere with a funeral procession. Unless led by a police escort, the lead vehicle in a funeral procession must obey all traffic signs and signals. Other drivers in the procession may follow carefully without stopping and may use hazard lights (flashers) to indicate they are in the procession. - You must yield to all military convoys. Never cut through or join a military convoy.

Tips for Driving Safely Through a Roundabout

- as you approach the roundabout, slow down; look for the street and direction signs. this will help you know which exit to take. these signs should be posted along the roadside before you reach the roundabout. - when you arrive at the roundabout, yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and bicyclists. you also must yield to any vehicles already in the roundabout. sometimes your entry point will be controlled by a stop or yield sign, or traffic signal. when the way is clear, you may enter the roundabout. - while inside the roundabout, stay in your lane until you are ready to exit. use your vehicle's right turn signal to let drivers around you know what you want to do. - do not change lanes or take an exit before checking for vehicles that may be continuing through the roundabout in the lane next to you or behind you. expect vehicles to be in blind spots you cannot see in your rearview or side mirrors. quickly glance over your shoulder and check for any vehicles that may be in your blind spot

Approaching vehicles - opposite direction

- when emergency vehicles approach you in the opposite lane on an undivided highway, you must pull over to the edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle passes.

Stopping for school buses

- you must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop sign when you approach from any direction on a highway, private road or school driveway. stop and remain stopped until all persons are clear and the bus moves again. - you must also stop if the bus is loading or unloading passengers and the signals are not on. - you do not have to stop if you are traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway with a median or barrier dividing the road and the bus is on the opposite side of the median or barrier. however, be prepared for unexpected actions by persons exiting the school bus.

Here's how the following distance rule works.

-Glance at the vehicle ahead as it passes a fixed object, such as an overpass, sign, fence, corner or other fixed mark. -Begin counting the seconds it takes you to reach the same place in the road. - If you reach the mark before you have counted off two, three, or four seconds, depending on speed, you're following too closely. Slow down and increase your following distance. - For bad weather conditions, heavy traffic, poor pavement or if your vehicle is in poor condition, add extra seconds to increase your following distance.

You may not park

-beside another parked vehicle (double parking) -on crosswalks or sidewalks -in front of driveways -within areas where parking is prohibited by curbs painted yellow or No Parking signs -in a parking space reserved for disabled persons -in striped access aisles adjacent to a parking space reserved for disabled persons -on the hard surface of a road when no curb is present -within 15 feet of a fire hydrant -within 20 feet of an intersection -in a bike lane -within 15 feet of the entrance to a fire, ambulance or rescue squad station -within 500 feet of where fire trucks or equipment are stopped answering an alarm -within 50 feet of a railroad crossing -in such a way that you block or create a hazard for other vehicles in a designated traffic lane

Passing is unlawful and unsafe:

-on hills, curves, at intersections or railroad crossings, except on roads with two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction -off the pavement or shoulder of the road -when a school bus is stopped to load or unload passengers on a public road (unless a physical barrier or unpaved median separates traffic going in either direction) or on a private road -when a solid line marks the left side of your lane -when approaching a crosswalk and the vehicle ahead of you or the lane next to you is stopped

Motorcycles

Approximately half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve automobiles. Many crashes are caused by the motorist's failure to see a motorcycle in traffic. -Look for motorcyclists. In more than half of all crashes involving motorcycles and automobiles, the other driver didn't see the motorcycle until it was too late. Drivers are conditioned to look for four-wheeled vehicles; but they don't expect to see two-wheeled vehicles. A motorcycle's small size also makes it difficult to see. -Check your blind spots. A motorcycle's small size allows it to slip into your blind spot easily. Always check for motorcycles before you pull out, change lanes, turn, back up or proceed through an intersection. -Never tailgate a motorcycle (or any other vehicle). Allow yourself plenty of braking distance by adding an extra second to the following distance rule. In inclement weather, double this distance. -Anticipate the motorcyclist's movements. Although a motorcycle is not as wide as the lane, the rider will use the entire lane as traffic situations and road conditions change. A slight change or debris on the road surface can be a major obstacle for a motorcyclist. Expect the motorcycle to make sudden moves within the lane. Never drive beside a motorcycle in the same lane. -Yield to motorcycles. The small size of a motorcycle can cause you to misjudge the motorcycle's speed and distance. Before pulling out into traffic, check twice for motorcycles and use extra caution before you pull out in front of one.

Changing lanes

Before changing lanes, check your side and rearview mirrors for traffic approaching you from behind. Then, use your turn signal to let other drivers know you plan to change lanes. Check for other drivers who also may be moving into the same lane. Just before you begin moving into the other lane, quickly glance over your shoulder and check for any vehicles that may be in your blind spot. Whether you are changing lanes, passing, entering or exiting a highway, always use your turn signals and check traffic to the rear and sides. When driving on a multi-lane highway, stay in the right lane if you are driving slower than the traffic around you. The left lane is for passing only.

Yielding to Vehicles with Flashing Lights

Drivers must take specific actions when they see vehicles with flashing or blinking blue, red, yellow or white lights on roadways

Sharing the Road

Drivers share the road with many other users: moped and motorcycle riders, trucks and buses, recreational vehicles and other vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Drivers also share the road with vulnerable road users including pedestrians and those on bicycles, wheel chairs, skateboards, roller skates, scooters, animals and animal-drawn vehicles. It is illegal to drive distracted and carelessly around vulnerable road users. It is your responsibility to adjust your driving to avoid others' mistakes and assure everyone's safety.

Tailgating is when the driver behind you is following too closely.

If you find yourself in this situation, do not brake suddenly. If possible, move over to another lane, or gently tap your brakes to flash your brake lights and slow down. This should encourage the tailgater to pass you or slow down.

Mopeds

It is against the law to operate a moped faster than 35 MPH or on an interstate highway. Any person who operates a moped faster than 35 MPH is considered to be operating a motorcycle which must meet Virginia registration requirements. In addition, the operator would be required to hold a valid driver's license with a motorcycle classification or a driver's license restricted to operating motorcycles only. Moped riders must be at least age 16 and obey all rules of the road. They must carry some form of government-issued photo identification (does not have to be a driver's license) that includes name, address and date of birth. As a driver, treat moped riders with the same care given to any other vehicle driver. Riders and passengers must wear helmets, and use eye protection if the moped does not have a windshield. The moped must be titled and registered with DMV. Although you do not need a driver's license to operate a moped, you may not operate a moped if you have been declared a habitual offender and your license is suspended or revoked for driving while intoxicated.

Slow or stop hand signal

Left hand and arm pointing downward

Left turn hand signal

Left hand and arm pointing straight out

Right turn hand signal

Left hand and arm pointing upward

Search for clues on the road

Look for exhaust smoke, brake or back-up lights and turned wheels on vehicles. Clues like these warn that the vehicles may pull into your path. Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and other slow moving vehicles that may be in the road ahead.

Be aware of other traffic when exiting your vehicle.

Look for other cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians before opening the door.

Affected distance

Perception time, reaction distance and braking distance are affected by weather, visibility, and your mental and physical condition. Braking distance is also affected by how fast your vehicle is traveling, the condition of your brakes and tires, and the pavement condition. For example, wet pavement can double your braking distance.

Hand position

Sit straight but relaxed and place your hands on the steering wheel. If your steering wheel were a clock, your hands should be at the 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions. Hold the wheel with your fingers and thumbs. Avoid gripping it with your palms.

Maintaining a Space Cushion

Space around your vehicle gives you distance to react in emergencies and avoid a crash. Create a space cushion around your vehicle by staying in the middle of your lane. Make sure there is enough room ahead of your vehicle and behind it for other vehicles to pass or stop safely. Use the two-, three- and four-second rule to determine if you are following far enough behind the vehicle ahead of you

Braking distance

The distance your car travels after you apply the brakes

Reaction distance

The distance your vehicle travels between the time you recognize a problem and the time you apply the brakes

Backing

The most common mistake that drivers make when backing up is failing to look both ways behind them. Mirrors do not give you a full view. To see as much as possible, turn your body and head to the right and look out through the rear window. Back up slowly and check for pedestrians and approaching traffic by glancing quickly to either side.

Light Rail

There is a light rail train system in Norfolk called The Tide. Light rail trains share the road with motor vehicles and bicyclists, and they intersect with motor vehicle traffic at 27 locations along the 7.4 mile route. Stay safe when driving around The Tide by obeying the tips below. -Pay attention to changing traffic patterns and always follow the roadway. -Never drive around lowered crossing gates. -Always look both ways before turning across train tracks. -Expect trains on any track at any time. -Always obey signs and traffic signals. -Never stop, pass or shift on train tracks. -Don't cross train tracks unless you have enough room to cross without stopping and can clear the tracks to a safe distance

Low Speed Vehicles

These electrically- or gas-powered four-wheel vehicles have a maximum speed ranging from 21 to 25 MPH. Low speed vehicles may be operated on public roads with speed limits of 35 MPH or less by licensed drivers or learner's permit holders accompanied by a licensed driver. Low speed vehicles must comply with all federal safety standards and must meet Virginia's requirements for passenger vehicle registration and insurance coverage. Golf carts are not classified as low speed vehicles.

Light to Medium Trailers

These trailers are attached to mid-sized cars and trucks with safety chains and a trailer hitch. Large side mirrors are generally needed to increase visibility. Towing a trailer places additional stress on the vehicle; it takes the vehicle twice as long to pass, stop, accelerate and turn. Remember the No-Zones described under Trucks, Tractor-Trailers and RVs.

Stopping distance

Three factors determine the distance that it takes to stop your vehicle: perception time, reaction distance and braking distance.

Trucks, Tractor-Trailers, Buses and RVs

Trucks, tractor-trailers, buses and recreational vehicles (RVs) - including motor homes, campers and travel trailers - are longer, higher and wider than other vehicles. They accelerate slowly and require greater stopping and turning distances. Plus, there are danger areas around these vehicles where crashes are more likely to occur. These areas are called No-Zones. No-Zones on the side, front and rear also include blind spots where your car disappears from the driver's view. Learning the No-Zones can save your life.

Parking

When parking on a public road, move as far from traffic as possible. If you park on a shoulder, pull over as far on the shoulder as possible. If you park next to a curb, pull close to it. You may not park more than one foot from the curb. On a two-way street, park on the right side of the road. On a one-way road, park on either side.

Passing

When passing another vehicle: - check the traffic ahead of you, behind you and in your blind spot before you attempt to pass. Signal and then accelerate to pass. Return to the right lane as soon as you can see the front of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror. - it is against the law to exceed the speed limit as you pass. - complete the pass before you reach a No Passing zone. If you're still in the left lane when you reach the zone, you're breaking the law. - you may pass on the right if the vehicle you are passing has signaled and is making a left turn. Be cautious because the vehicle you are passing may be blocking your view or blocking the view of other drivers. You may not pass on the right if you must drive off the pavement or main portion of the roadway to get around the other vehicle - when approaching or passing a person riding a bicycle, moped, or power-assisted bicycle or other device, reduce speed and pass at least three feet to the left.

Yielding the right-of-way

Yield also means to stop if you cannot merge safely into the flow of traffic.

Turn Signals

When you plan to change lanes, turn, or enter or exit a highway, first give the proper turn signal. Using your turn signal, which is required by law, communicates your intended movement to drivers around you. Develop a good habit and use turn signals or hand signals even if no other traffic is on the road.

Check from left to right and then left again before entering an intersection.

Whenever you reach a place in the road where other cars, people or animals may cross your path, look both ways to be sure it is clear. These include intersections, crosswalks, shopping centers, construction areas and playgrounds. At any intersection, look to the left first, since cars coming from the left will be closer to you. Then look to the right and take one more quick look to the left before you drive through.

Front No-Zone

You could get rear-ended by a truck, bus or RV if you cut in front too soon after passing the vehicle or if you cut in front and then suddenly slow down. The truck, bus and RV drivers would be forced to slam on their brakes. These vehicles need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars. A truck and its trailer may be as long as 65 feet and it may take you more than half a mile of clear road to pass. When passing, look for the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling in front. And then, maintain your speed.

Stopping

You must always stop your vehicle: at all stop signs, red traffic lights and flashing red signals - when entering a street or crossing over a sidewalk from a driveway, alley, building or parking lot - at railroad crossings with flashing signals - when signaled by flaggers directing traffic - for pedestrians attempting to cross the street at a crosswalk - at the direction of a police officer. If you don't obey a law enforcement officer's signal to stop and the officer pursues you and is killed as a direct result of the pursuit, you will be guilty of a Class 4 felony. - at the scene of a crash in which you are involved When approaching a stop sign and the car in front of you proceeds, stop at the sign and proceed when the way is clear.

Bicycles

are considered vehicles and have the same right-of-way as motor vehicles. Bicyclists are allowed to ride in the center of the lane, when necessary, such as when they are about to turn left or when the lane is too narrow to share side-by-side with a car. Bicyclists are legally allowed on all public roads except interstates and most freeways (limited access highways). Bicyclists may also be riding in either direction on sidewalks. Bicyclists may treat a stop sign as a yield sign if it is safe to proceed. Bicyclists must yield to other vehicles approaching the intersection when those vehicles aren't required to stop. Bicycles are subject to many of the same laws as motor vehicles, and bicyclists are subject to many of the same laws as drivers; however, some may not know or obey the rules. Slow down when you approach bicyclists. Using marked bicycle lanes is prohibited by motor vehicles, including while passing. State law requires motorists to pass cyclists with at least three feet of clearance. If the lane is not wide enough to allow for a three-foot clearance, the motorist must change lanes. Give bicyclists plenty of room when passing and be prepared to stop suddenly. Check your blind spots. A bicycle's small size allows it to slip into your blind spot easily. Always check for bicyclists before you pull out, change lanes, turn, back up, open the door, or proceed through an intersection.

Blind spots

are danger areas where vehicles around you cannot be easily seen. Before driving, adjust your vehicle's mirrors. Make sure the inside rear view mirror frames the entire back window. Adjust both side mirrors so you can barely see the sides of your vehicle. The best way to see a car in your blind spot is by quickly turning your head and glancing over your shoulder to ensure the way is clear before changing lanes or passing another vehicle. Avoid driving in someone else's blind spot. This can be just as dangerous as not checking your own blind spot. Speed up or drop back; but, don't stay in the other driver's blind spot.

Pedestrians

are especially prone to serious injury when struck. -Be careful around schools, playgrounds and in residential areas where small children may be playing or crossing the street. - Look out for the elderly, who may have poor vision and hearing. Remember that the elderly and people with disabilities may move slowly. - Be especially aware of pedestrians when making a right or left turn. They have the right-of-way. Allow pedestrians to completely cross the street before beginning your turn. - Passing at a crosswalk is illegal. You may not see pedestrians crossing the road in front of other vehicles. - Be alert for pedestrians crossing the road. Stop and remain stopped until pedestrians have passed the lane in which your vehicle is stopped. - Drivers are required to come to a full stop for a pedestrian using a cane or guide dog, as this indicates blindness or vision impairment.

U-turns

are not legal everywhere. Before you make a U-turn, check for No U-Turn or No Left Turn signs. In business districts, cities and towns, U-turns are allowed only at intersections. Never make a U-turn on a highway. When making a U-turn, turn on your left-turn signal, stop, and yield for approaching traffic. When the way is clear, proceed into the outside or right hand lane traveling in the opposite direction.

When two vehicles are approaching each other and signaling to turn left,

both vehicles should turn in front of each other so that the passenger sides of the vehicles are beside each other.

Help the driver behind you

by maintaining a safe following distance and a steady speed. Tap your brakes to warn the driver behind you when you plan to slow down or stop.

When you plan to turn,

signal three or four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of your turn. Be aware that drivers planning to turn into your lane may not know exactly where you will turn; drivers may pull out in front of you. Be alert. After you complete the turn or lane change, be sure the turn signal stops flashing.

When being passed,

don't speed up. Maintain a steady speed or slow down.

Speed Limits

maximum legal speed you can travel on a road under ideal conditions. You may drive slower than the speed limit, as long as you don't impede the normal movement of traffic, but it is illegal to drive any faster. By law you must drive slower where signs indicate a school zone speed limit or work zone speed limit is in effect, and/or if conditions such as road construction or bad weather make the posted speed unsafe. According to Virginia law, if you are driving 20 or more miles per hour (MPH) above the speed limit, or over 85 MPH, a law enforcement officer may charge you with reckless driving, regardless of the speed limit. It is considered a misdemeanor criminal offense if convicted of reckless driving. The court may require a fine, suspend your driving privilege and/or impose a jail sentence. If the violation results in death and the operator's license was suspended or revoked at the time of the offense, it may be considered a felony, which carries more serious consequences. You are subject to an additional $100 fine if convicted of driving between 81 and 85 MPH in a 65-MPH zone. It is illegal to use radar detectors in Virginia. Unless there is a speed limit sign stating otherwise, the maximum speed limit for passenger vehicles and motorcycles is 25 MPH for school, business and residential areas; 35 MPH for unpaved roads and 55 MPH for all other roads.

Searching

means looking at the entire scene for anything that might come into your path. As you search the road, avoid staring at one thing. Keep your eyes moving and learn to read the road and your surroundings.

Over-correcting

occurs when the driver turns the steering wheel more sharply than expected, causing the rear wheels of the vehicle to slide toward the outside of the turn. This may result in the loss of vehicle control. Most over-correction crashes are single vehicle crashes and are often preventable. A driver should remain alert at all times. Reduce speed and use extra caution while driving on curved roads. If you veer off the road, curved or straight, do not panic. Gradually reduce your speed, look in the direction you want to go, slowly steer back onto the roadway.

Before driving a vehicle with a light to medium trailer attached,

perform a safety inspection before each trip. Ensure: the pin securing the ball mount to the receiver is intact -the hitch coupler is secured -safety chains are properly attached -the electrical plug is properly installed -brake lights, turn signals, and license plate lights are functioning properly Before pulling a trailer on public roads, find a location such as a vacant parking lot to practice and get the feel for how your vehicle and trailer will handle.

To make a left turn

you should be in the furthest left lane possible, turning into the leftmost lane on the intersecting road, unless pavement markings lead you otherwise; or, unless multiple left turn lanes are provided. If multiple left turn lanes are provided, you should choose the lane that will best serve your need once you enter the intersecting road. Signal your intent to turn by using the proper turn signal. You should signal at least three to four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of the turn. Look in all directions, checking the intersection for pedestrians and traffic coming from the opposite direction. Keep your front wheels pointed straight ahead until you are actually going to make the left turn. This prevents you from being pushed into oncoming traffic if another vehicle crashes into you from behind. When the way is clear, make the left turn, yield to any vehicles (including bicycles and pedestrians) approaching from the opposite direction.

To make a right turn

you should be in the lane furthest to the right. Signal your intent to turn by using the proper turn signal. You should signal at least three or four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of the turn. Look to your left and right to check the intersection for pedestrians and traffic. Then brake smoothly before and during the turn. If there is a red traffic light or a stop sign at the intersection, come to a complete stop before you make the turn. Turn into the lane closest to the curb unless pavement markings lead you otherwise, and then change lanes if needed.