U-turns - don't do them! Should be a law...

**FJRider** · 21st December 2008, 08:04

Originally Posted by Daffyd

There is one alternative...go round the block. This is a great idea if you overshoot somewhere like Jacksons. It would mean heading for the Coast, coming back over Haast and back up the middle. Good alternative

and the downside is ???

**sinfull** · 21st December 2008, 08:14

Originally Posted by rocketman1

I have told to watch the right front wheel, if it moves or turns you may have second more to brake before final impact.
I too watch for movement of the front wheel, as well as the drivers eyes!

Because there is nowhere to go but into the vehicle.

That's called fixation !!! If the vehical moves an inch you should stop watching it and start looking toward the escape route you had already sussed out ! (I say this tongue in cheek as i haven't had to use this theory for donkeys) I had me a classic case of fixation on the track just last week, slower bike up in front, knew about half way down the straight he was going much slower, but i couldn't tear my eyes away and near went up his rear, twitched left at the last min (which in itself is dangerous as there were much faster guys coming behind me) Different scenario altogether i realise but fixation is fixation and if someones u turning in front of you, it generally means the road to your right is clear ! Sometimes extra power on a bike is invaluable
In my opinion the transport authorities sholud take a hard line on those idiots that do U turns..anywhere.
Advice Dont do them yourself when driving in cage.
Bloody dangerous Act.
Police cars are the most common cuplrits
They should ban radars ! that'll stop half the u turns by cops bwahahahaha

Your right there are alot of collisions thatcome from u turns but banning them would be difficult !

**FJRider** · 21st December 2008, 08:19

Originally Posted by sinfull

Your right there are alot of collisions thatcome from u turns but banning them would be difficult !

understatement of the year...

**swbarnett** · 21st December 2008, 10:50

Originally Posted by sinfull

Your right there are alot of collisions thatcome from u turns but banning them would be difficult !

Originally Posted by FJRider

understatement of the year...

Not only would it be difficult it would be fool hardy. Why make even more laws when the current ones are perfectly adequate? A U-turn done properly is perfectly safe. Don't ban them, educate the drivers on how to U-turn properly.

Also, take responsibility for your own safety! Check your escape routes ahead of time and don't out drive your visibility around blind corners (or if you do then accept some portion of the moral, if not legal, blame when the worst happens).

**breakaway** · 21st December 2008, 10:54

Originally Posted by swbarnett

A U-turn done properly is perfectly safe.

Agreed. U-Turns are no problems if you aren't fucking useless at driving.

**xwhatsit** · 21st December 2008, 11:19

U-turns are illegal in quite a few other countries, aren't they? At least some parts of the US you can't do U-turns. I wonder how they cope with not being able to do them?

**breakaway** · 21st December 2008, 11:20

^ 3 point turns?

**Daffyd** · 21st December 2008, 11:27

Originally Posted by FJRider

and the downside is ???

Did I say anything about a downside?

**Daffyd** · 21st December 2008, 11:31

Originally Posted by AllanB

When in my car I like to join a couple of U-turns together, this is preformed quicker if you break traction............

This is generally used by a woman driver who does a "U" turn and changes her mind. Also known as an "O" turn.

Sometimes performed while applying/adjusting makeup.

**swbarnett** · 21st December 2008, 18:53

Originally Posted by xwhatsit

U-turns are illegal in quite a few other countries, aren't they? At least some parts of the US you can't do U-turns. I wonder how they cope with not being able to do them?

Probably, as breakaway said, with 3-point turns. These are even more dangersous than U-turns because the car will be blocking the road for longer. Also, a driver that can't properly execute a U-turn won't be able to do a 3-point turn.

**SARGE** · 21st December 2008, 18:58

Originally Posted by FJRider

Why stop at banning U-turns... Ban drinking and driving, speeding, make stopping at stop signs COMPULSARY...

that would COMPLETELY fuck NZ traffic

Originally Posted by xwhatsit

U-turns are illegal in quite a few other countries, aren't they? At least some parts of the US you can't do U-turns. I wonder how they cope with not being able to do them?

we drive thru yards....

**FJRider** · 21st December 2008, 19:07

Originally Posted by swbarnett

Not only would it be difficult it would be fool hardy. Why make even more laws when the current ones are perfectly adequate? A U-turn done properly is perfectly safe. Don't ban them, educate the drivers on how to U-turn properly.

Also, take responsibility for your own safety! Check your escape routes ahead of time and don't out drive your visibility around blind corners (or if you do then accept some portion of the moral, if not legal, blame when the worst happens).

The current laws would be adequate, if those laws were adhered to.