You are at the front of a queue of traffic waiting to turn right into a side road. Why is it important to check your right mirror just before turning?

Related Information

Turning right

179

Well before you turn right you should:


- use your mirrors to make sure you know the position and movement of traffic behind you

- give a right-turn signal

- take up a position just left of the middle of the road or in the space for traffic turning right

- leave room for other vehicles to pass on the left, if possible


180

- Wait until there is a safe gap between you and any oncoming vehicle. Watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and other road users. Check your mirrors and blind spots again to make sure you are not being overtaken, then make the turn.


- Do not cut the corner. Take great care when turning into a main road; you will need to watch for traffic in both directions and wait for a safe gap.


181

- When turning right at a cross roads where an oncoming vehicle is also turning right, there is a choice of two methods:


- turn right side to right side; keep the other vehicle on your right and turn behind it - this is generally the safer method as you have a clear view of any approaching traffic when completing your turn

- left side to left side, turning in front of each other. - this can block your view of oncoming vehicles, so take extra care (cyclists and motorcyclists in particular may be hidden from your view)

Road layout, markings or how the other vehicle is positioned can determine which course should be taken.
[Northern Ireland Highway Code.]