Western Oregon University

Oregon Department of Transportation

Transportation Safety Division

Western Oregon University

Oregon Department of Transportation

Transportation Safety Division

Driver Risk Prevention Curriculum Driver Risk Prevention Curriculum

Introduction to Backing

Turnabout Options

Introduction to Backing

Turnabout Options

Backing Increases Risk

• Line-of-Vision Blind Area Larger to Rear

• Requires More Space to Maneuver - Back Tires Don’t Turn

• Must Yield to All Pedestrians and Vehicles

When Given the Choice, Move Forward

When You Must Back

• Look for LOS POT Blockages

• Know the Space You Intend to Occupy is Clear

Backing Straight

• Right Foot Firmly on Brake

• Shift to “R” – Reverse• 360 Degree Search• Pedestrians &

Vehicles

Backing Straight

• Hold Wheel at the 12 O’clock Position• Twist Body to Look Over Right Shoulder• Target – As you do when moving forward• Decrease Brake Pressure – Move at a walking pace• When Close to Obstacles Move at an Inch-by-Inch

Speed

Backing Turns

• Turn Head – Look to target area before turning wheel

• Turn wheel from the top down in the direction you want the back of the car to move

• Use two hands on the wheel• Check front swing to be

certain that the front of the vehicle doesn’t strike any object

Reference Point Usage

What is the reference point used for backing to a line in the rear?

What is the reference point used for backing to a line in the rear?

Yes! About a foot behind the door post or the middle of the rear side window

Discover the Pivot Point for Backing Turns

That point directly above the center of the rear tire

Rear Corner Post or Blind spot.

Standard Reference Point

It is at this point that one may begin turning the wheel.

Rear Corner Post or Blind spot.

The curb line appears to line up with the Rear Corner Post or Blind spot.

Pivot Point

When the nearest edge of the your intended lane lines up with the pivot point you may begin to turn the wheel

Turnabout Options

Changing Your Direction

Consider Your Choices

Turnabout Options• Go Around The Block

• Parking Lot - Pull in/out Forward

• Right Alley/Intersection Turnabout

• Left Alley Turnabout

• U-Turn

• Y-Turn - 3 Point Turn

Evaluate the Risks• Least amount of risk

• Some Risk – Many LOS-POT blockages in parking lots

• Reduced Risk - Backing in, pulling out forward

• High Risk - Backing into traffic

• High Risk - Crossing all traffic lanes

• Maximum Risk - Crossing traffic lanes & backing into traffic

1. Select location, check rear, tap brake lights, signal and check blind spot, leave traffic lane

2. Stop with-in 18 inches of curb, shift to reverse, 360 degree search and yield, target to rear

3. Back to pivot point, turn wheel from top down, check front swing

4. Back to safety stop, foot on brake then shift to drive

5. Signal left, when clear make a precision left turn

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Right Alley Turnabout

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Select Location

Precision Left Turn into Alleyway

Shift to Reverse

360 Degree Search

Target Rear

Decrease Brake Pressure

Back at a Walking Pace

Left Alley Turnabout

Stop Before the Sidewalk

Search & Yield to Pedestrians

Left Alley Turnabout

Stop Before the Sidewalk

Search & Yield to Pedestrians

Back to Pivot Point and Begin Turn

Left Alley Turnabout

Stop Before the Sidewalk

Search & Yield to Pedestrians

Back to Pivot Point and Begin Turn

Stop Before Entering Roadway

Search and Yield to Traffic

Left Alley Turnabout

Stop Before the Sidewalk

Search & Yield to Pedestrians

Back to Pivot Point and Begin Turn

Stop Before Entering Roadway

Search and Yield to Traffic

Complete turn in the smallest amount of space

Left Alley Turnabout

Stop Before the Sidewalk

Search & Yield to Pedestrians

Back to Pivot Point and Begin Turn

Stop Before Entering Roadway

Search and Yield to Traffic

Complete turn in the smallest amount of space

Left Alley Turnabout

Stop Before the Sidewalk

Search & Yield to Pedestrians

Back to Pivot Point and Begin Turn

Stop Before Entering Roadway

Search and Yield to Traffic

Complete turn in the smallest amount of space

Left Alley Turnabout

Stop Before the Sidewalk

Search & Yield to Pedestrians

Back to Pivot Point and Begin Turn

Stop Before Entering Roadway

Search and Yield to Traffic

Complete turn in the smallest amount of space

Left Alley Turnabout

Stop Before the Sidewalk

Search & Yield to Pedestrians

Back to Pivot Point and Begin Turn

Stop Before Entering Roadway

Search and Yield to Traffic

Complete turn in the smallest amount of space

Left Alley Turnabout

Stop Before the Sidewalk

Search & Yield to Pedestrians

Back to Pivot Point and Begin Turn

Stop Before Entering Roadway

Search and Yield to Traffic

Complete turn in the smallest amount of space

When safe re-enter traffic

Left Alley Turnabout

Illegal U-Turns

• At traffic-light controlled intersections when a sign prohibits it

• On a highway• Mid-block• On a highway where you cannot be seen

by another driver approaching from any direction for a distance of:– 500 feet within city limits– 1000 feet outside city limits

• Anywhere a sign prohibits

3 Point TurnModified U-Turn for narrow

roadways. U-turn rules apply!

1. Search 500’ – 1000’ & Signal2. Right Side Limit, Search, Signal &

Yield3. Target, Creep & turn wheel fast,

stop at front limit, shift to reverse, search 360 degrees

4. Target right rear, creep & turn wheel fast, back far enough to clear edge of roadway - one car length – 15 feet

5. Stop, shift to drive, search to target area and evaluate path for LOS-POTs, get car on-target

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