One wrong or missed turn. All drivers have done it. What do you do when there are no driveways around and you need to turn your New England car rental around? This is where the three point turn comes in. However, caution must be exercised. When done improperly or thoughtlessly, you can hold up traffic, cause an accident or hit a pedestrian. Never fear. This is a fairly basic maneuver. With some precaution and know-how, you too can successfully execute the perfect three point turn with your New England car rental.
Steps to the Perfect Three Point Turn
In concept, a three-point turn is a fairly straight-forward procedure, albeit, one that requires more than three steps!
- Turn on your right turn signal to alert other drivers of your intentions and tap your brakes to further alert drivers that you intend to stop.
- Pull your New England car rental over as close to the curb as you can and come to a complete stop.
- Turn on your left turn signal.
- Check traffic in all directions. Make sure it’s clear for at least 15-20 seconds in both direction. It’s going to take at least that long to perform the next two “points” of your turn.
- Turn your steering wheel as far to the left as possible and begin moving forward. You should end up perpendicular to the curb on the other side of the street.
- Activate your right turn signal.
- Recheck the traffic flow to make sure that it is still clear to reverse. Although your car is likely blocking traffic, that doesn’t mean that another car hasn’t pulled up behind your vehicle.
- Turn your steering wheel as far to the right as possible.
- Shift into reverse and begin backing.
- Stop within 6-12 inches of the curb.
- Recheck traffic again to make sure it’s still clear.
- Put your car in drive and continue driving in your new direction.
When Making a Three Point Turn is Legal
According to the government of Massachusetts, if there isn’t enough room for a U-turn, a three point turn is the more desirable alternative. However, three point turns should only be used when all of the following conditions are met:
- The street is narrow
- There is good visibility
- There are no public driveways to turn into with your New England car rental
- The traffic is light
- The turn is legal – that is, there are no signs saying that you cannot make a three point turn
- There is no other option.
The Right of Way: Traffic and Your New England Car Rental
Right of way is always a source of concern when one is cutting off the flow of traffic. Prior to commencing your three point turn, oncoming traffic has the right of way. Even when you are in the middle of your three point turn, oncoming traffic still has the right of way. This is why it’s essential for you to have good visibility and clear traffic on both sides.
However, there is also a thing called common sense. While you will undoubtedly ensure that you are clear on both sides, sometimes cars will still pull up. Likely, they will have no desire to cause an accident and stop to allow your car to finish its three point turn. Everyone on the road plays a part in accident prevention.
And of course, a reliable New England car rental goes a long way in completing the perfect three point turn. We have a vehicle to suit any and all needs. To make your VERC car rental reservation, visit our website.
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