Why Do Drivers Do This?

[10ClarionSt]

Lots of drivers, when turning left, will move to the right, to the centre of the road, then turn left. They will do the opposite when turning right. Why?

[jackthehat]

Presumably they think it gives them a better/greater angle of turn and will help with positioning on the road into which they have turned.

[derekpara]

You have to do this if driving a long vehicle (HGV say) because the turning circle of your rear wheels is less than the front.

[gingejbee]

It's a way of turning the corner faster than you otherwise could.

[THEMOTLEY1]

Been watching too much F1 on Telly

[beegeebee]

Because a large percentage of drivers are unsure of the width (and length) of their vehicle and its turning circle.

[mikey4444]

What really irritates me is the way some drivers turn up at a roundabout, go into the left-hand lane, and then turn right !

If you are lucky they might use their indictator !

[chiaroscuro]

So many expert drivers.

[TWR]

If you are referring to an to an Articulated HGV, if the driver turned on the turning, the trailer will either hit a Building, mount the pavement, Knock down Kerb Edge Barriers, the overall lenghth of an artic is app 65 Ft, some are longer depending on the trailer.

[gingejbee]

^^^^"lots of drivers"....OP didn't mention HGVs

[TWR]

I know that Ging.

[Arrods]

If I know that the road I'm turning into to the left is narrow I always position the vehicle wider to the right than normal to avoid hitting a vehicle emerging from that turning. Not when turning right though as there's normally more room to swing around.

[Electrochem]

Because they can't steer properly and cross their hands on the steering wheel. Worse still are those who cut corners when turning right.

Obviously, if the vehicle in question is an HGV, it is necessary to do so, which is why I never try to pass on either side of an HGV on a roundabout.

[waterboatman]

I have often wondered the same. It makes no sense. Back in the 50's, when pavement corners were sharp, it was necessary. But most of them were not about then.

[THEMOTLEY1]

[[and cross their hands on the steering wheel.]] isn't that bad practice?

[tonyav]

Makes it easier to steer around the corner whilst using a mobile phone !.

[THEMOTLEY1]

Ah, ok!

[Electrochem]

Yes, crossing your hands is bad practice! Thought that was obvious by my answer!

[THEMOTLEY1]

Oh dear!

[DTCwordfan]

try doing it in a Robin Reliant and you'll flip the beast....