u-turn or not to turn

I've only done a U - Turn once it was at a nice wide intersection down in Orange county CA. So that's the key though you need an awful lot of room to do a u - turn with a 53' trailer behind you.

 

I have heard a lot of stories about what happened to that driver. The best story I have heard yet was that he was now the USA Truck head of safety! Now I don't know if that is true or not, just saying!

 

Experience and avoidance is the best guide. I have U-turned before. Most drivers have. In fact if you have enough room and can complete the turn safely and not destroy highway signage or bust your fairings go for it. However in the majority of cases you can't. If you have went as far as you can and like the USA Truck driver in the above video, well your only option is to get some help and back out. The last time I was asked about this was by a driver almost a year ago who called me. I told him he was OK and helped him get find a place to turn around. However when it comes to this issue. I can't stress this in strong enough terms. If you find yourself in a hole stop digging. In an extreme case stop and dial 911. Trust me, law enforcement had rather help you out of a mess then be forced to help you clean it up!

 

Personally I've only U-turn once in NJ, it was like 3AM, no cars on the road and I had 4 lanes to get it done. Otherwise it sucks but I find a way to circle back around.

What helps me is getting on Google Satellite and looking at the area I need to turn. I can say, OK this looks like the spot I should go into it has a straight shot into the back where I can see the dock is located. It's right after the Wendy's and before the AT&T store. Otherwise I will miss the #### turn every time or turn in at the wrong spot and have to deal with a bunch of 4-wheeler parking areas. lol

 

Yep, Yep! I know exactly what you're talking about. He got himself in a bad position and handled it poorly to say the least.

 

U turns don't go well, usually. The last few did not. It's best to consider all possibilities before resorting to one.

 

I did a u turn today. Do I get a prize?

 

Second that!

For some reason, some people are so afraid of asking police for help, that they dig themselves into a very expensive mess. While, it's no brainer. Even if police gives you a hard time at first, it is still million times better than hitting something or getting stuck somewhere.

If it looks like you shouldn't be where you are (residential area, narrow street, off directions, not matching gps), the first reaction should stop and think, then walk and see for yourself. And not take any word from locals for granted. I once asked a bystander if I will be able to make a left turn down the street and he said "yah, it's wide down there" and I believed him. Boy, was I wrong... with help of my codriver, we did that turn, but I'd rather not, 1mm here and 1mm there.