How to Do a Three Point Turn

You are on your way home from a hectic day at work. The narrow road is bustling with heavy traffic. You are a sensible driver and strictly follow the traffic and lane rules. Quite satisfied with the day's work, you put on the car stereo and try to unwind. The music begins to work on you and you feel yourself relaxed. You are immersed in your thoughts and the music is soothing your tired nerves. Then suddenly you shun away your thoughts with a jolt.

It's your son's birthday, today! You haven't brought a gift for him yet. You have already passed the gift shop and now you want to turn to get there. "Now that's going to be tough", you say to yourself. But you are left with no choice but to turn. After all these years of driving, you still haven't quite developed the expertise on doing a three point turn. You try to recollect what the training guide said about two and three point turns. You seem to go blank. You suddenly remember that, a few days back, over a couple of drinks, you were discussing it in a car, with your friend. You try to recall it step by step.

Step 1

Check for traffic on both sides of the road. Signal to the right and start moving slowly. See to it that there is enough space for you to stop the car. Once the car has stopped, turn on the left signal blinker. Once the road is clear, steer your car to the left and move forward to cross the road. Stop the car. This is 1 Point.

Step 2

You are now on the left side of the road. Shift the car into reverse after signaling to the right. Check to see if the way is clear, slowly back up while turning your steering wheel to the right. Stop the car. This is 2 Point.

Step 3

Look for the traffic on the road. Once the road is clear, change your gear to move forward. That is 3 Point.

Some Pointers

• Watch for pedestrians and the approaching traffic.
• Choose an appropriate place to turn. Do not turn near railway tracks, lamp posts, curves on the road and trees.
• Do not stop the car abruptly. You don't want to confuse the traffic behind you. Do you?
• Needless to say, follow traffic rules always. You do not want a cop standing in front of you with a ticket.

Whoopee! You just did a three point turn in time. One look at your happy son, you forget what you have gone through to buy that gift. Aren't you excited? Wasn't it worth it?