How to make Left Turn

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Grandiego, Dec 24, 2007.

  1. Grandiego

    Grandiego Medium Load Member

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    I've got conflicting teaching on how to make a left turn from a single left turn lane into two lanes. Do you stay to the right (seems safer to me) or move over to the left once your trailer tandems clear?
     
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  3. latanea

    latanea Road Train Member

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    2 schools of thought and teaching on this subject...


    I prefer to swing wide and stay to the right... this eliminates the chance of someone getting between you and the curb (blindspot).
     
  4. panhandlepat

    panhandlepat Road Train Member

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    yes to the right, in the "granny" lane unless you are turning left VERY soon after that turn
     
  5. MommaKay

    MommaKay Light Load Member

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    At Roehl we were taught to turn the tractor into the right lane, which will pretty much be necessary to get the tandems to clear the apex of the turn, but then immediately turn the tractor into the left-hand lane. The trailer will follow the tractor into the left lane. Then signal for a lane change and move into the right hand lane as soon as it's safe to do so.

    But if you are turning left and then immediately right, this won't work and you'll need to just turn into the right-hand lane. Judge each turn on its own merits, and do what is safest for THAT particular turn.
     
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  6. wallbanger

    wallbanger "Enemy of showers everywhere"

    Pretty much what everyone else has said; if I need to make another left, then I will make my turn into the left lane. Otherwise, swing wider, ad grab the right lane.
     
  7. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    If I know I need what lane I'll shortly need I'll take that lane when my trailer has traffic blocked.
     
  8. Etosha

    Etosha World Citizen

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    Edmonton, AB
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    For taking your test, you have to turn into the left hand lane, however you have to do that for your trailer wheels to clear everything.

    If I am doing it on my regular routes, if I need to turn left ahead, I will stay in the left lane, if not, I will take the right lane right away.
     
  9. im6under

    im6under Heavy Load Member

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    they want you to make lefts into the left lane when possible and practical to keep a four-wheeler from riding up beside you in the right lane and you dragging the trailer over him.

    the left turn into a right lane leaves the trailer duals blind in your mirrors on a sharp turn.
     
  10. ziggystyles

    ziggystyles Road Train Member

    I always messed this up during training too as I thought from a single left turn into a 2 lane street, I kept turning into the right lane. Basically, I was told to stay in the lane I start in. What this means is that you should (in theory), end up in that left lane, but you will need to get the tractor in the right lane for a second or two to clear the tandems.

    I dunno, its a weird set up...taking a left from a single into a street with two lanes in each direction of travel. On my route that I drive daily, there is one spot where I have this situation. However, since I have to turn right down the road a block or so, I turn into the right lane and stay there, otherwise I think you should end up in the left lane, then get into the right.
     
  11. CMoore2004

    CMoore2004 Road Train Member

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    Here in MI, and in WI, I'm pretty sure the law states you have to turn in to the closest lane to you going your direction of travel. I figured it was that way nationwide. Sure, you have to further lane to make some of the turns, but you're supposed to make it back in that closest lane (even with 4-wheelers). I'm not sure what the ticket would be--probably something like improper lane usage (which is not good to have on your record) or not signaling. If there's a state where it's not the law, I'd like to know about it.
     
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