Turning Left - Major to Minor Road
Turning left safely from a major road into a minor road involves following the MSPSL routine – Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, Look.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to approaching this manoeuvre confidently, including how to adjust for different types of junctions, maintaining your Normal Road Position (NRP), and avoiding common mistakes.
How to Identify a Junction
Before you reach the turn, it’s essential to recognise the type of junction and any potential hazards:
Road Signs: Look out for triangular signs indicating an upcoming junction.
Gaps in Buildings: Large gaps between buildings often signal a minor road.
Road Markings: Dashed lines or give way markings may indicate a side road.
Vehicles Entering/Exiting: Cars turning in or out can alert you to a nearby junction.
Adjusting Speed for Different Junctions
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Closed Junctions (Narrow or With Hazards):
At closed junctions, where your view is limited by parked cars, pedestrians, or narrow roads, reduce your speed to 5-6 mph. This gives you more control and time to assess any potential hazards.
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Open Junctions (Wide, Clear View):
For open junctions with clear visibility and no obstacles, you can approach at a slightly higher speed of 10-12 mph, as you have a better view of the road ahead.
The MSPSL Routine
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M (Mirrors):
Start by checking your interior and left door mirror for any traffic behind, particularly cyclists or pedestrians who might be alongside your vehicle. -
S (Signal):
Signal left in good time to inform other road users, ensuring your signal is clear and not given too early to avoid confusion. -
P (Position):
Adjust your position to remain about 1 metre from the kerb (Normal Road Position). This distance ensures you don’t get too close to the kerb, which could cause you to clip it or cut the corner. -
S (Speed):
Adjust your speed based on the junction type:-
For closed junctions, slow down to 5-6 mph.
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For open junctions, maintain a speed of 10-12 mph. Shift into 2nd gear as you approach the turn, bringing the clutch up before the turn to avoid coasting. If your speed drops below 5 mph or the corner is very tight, shift into 1st gear.
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L (Look):
Look ahead into the road you’re turning into, making sure it’s clear. Even though you have priority over vehicles turning right, always check that they are giving way before making your turn.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Turning Too Early or Late:
Turning too early can cause you to cut the corner, while turning too late may take you into the opposite lane. To avoid this, use the bottom left corner of your windscreen as a guide for lining up with the kerb before turning. -
Getting Too Close to the Kerb:
Maintaining the 1 metre distance from the kerb is important to avoid cutting the corner or clipping the kerb. Always keep the Normal Road Position (NRP) in mind to ensure proper spacing. -
Steering Too Slowly or Crossing Hands:
Using the push-pull method ensures smoother steering. When turning, avoid crossing your hands, which can reduce control. Let one hand release the wheel while the other pulls down for more precise movement. -
Incorrect Gear Selection:
Selecting the wrong gear too late can make it harder to control the vehicle. Make sure to shift into correct gear early enough, and be prepared to drop to 1st gear at slower speeds or in tight turns. -
Coasting Through the Turn:
Avoid coasting by ensuring you lift the clutch fully before turning. Coasting reduces control and can increase stopping distances.
By following the MSPSL routine, adjusting your speed based on junction visibility, and maintaining a steady 1 metredistance from the kerb, you’ll be able to execute left turns safely and with confidence.
Regular practice of these techniques will help you manage different junction types smoothly, whether open or closed.