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Using The MSPSL Routine To Turn Left
You should have practiced your moving off and stopping manoeuvre and are now doing it with less help from your trainer; it is now time to look at side roads on the left and the right. This will probably be your first time turning into a side road – there are lots of things to consider when starting this topic.
What does the MSPSL routine stand for?
M = Mirrors
S = Signal
P = Position
S = Speed/Gear
L = Look
With anything in driving, when you’re introduced to a new subject yo’ll become very familiar with routines and methods.They are an important tool to help you when you perform a task for the first time. After lots of practice they will soon become a good driving habit.
BRIEF
Side roads are when you turn from a major-to-minor road. It is very important to know a major road from a minor road, as you will need to determine priorities of traffic.
Mirrors– It is important to check your rear view mirror first. The reason for this is because you are checking to see if it is safe to start slowing down for the turn. If there is traffic behind you following closely, you may not be able to slow down safely. Instead, your decision to NOT turn may result you in continuing ahead. This is very important to understand- regular rear view mirror checks is vital.
Ok- so you’ve checked the rear view mirror- if it is clear, or if at least if there is traffic following behind, they should be a safe distance away. Then you should check your left wing mirror or the nearside mirror as it is known. You are checking the mirror for cyclists on the left hand side. If the mirrors are clear, it is important to inform other road-users of your intent to turn left.
SIGNAL– So now that you have decided to signal left, it is important to do this with plenty of time. The more notice you can give other road users of your intention to turn the better. It enables them to plan their journey behind you. The signal is also very important for other road users also.
POSITION– ONCE you have checked your mirrors and applied a signal it is very important to take up position for the turn. When you are turning left- this is your normal road position, which is a metre from the curb. If you are turning right, this would be towards the centre of your side of the road. Many residential areas don’t have white lines, so it is something that you’ll have to judge. Would an on-coming vehicle still be able to pass? If so, then your road position should be fine. You will naturally become better at judging with practice.
SPEED– It is important to reduce your speed in plenty of time. Now- it depends on what your speed is prior to starting to slow. Lets assume you are approximately 20 MPH, in second gear. To turn a 90 degree corner, your car shouldn’t really be more than 10-12 MPH around the car. Therefore, it is important you break to this speed at least a car length away from the corner itself. If you are already in second, you shouldn’t need to change gear- as second gear is usually vey happy at about 10 MPH. However- if you are travelling at a higher speed, it is very important to reduce your speed in plenty of time. Whatever you do, you should ensure your breaking is consistent and smooth, and try to change gear smoothly and swiftly. It’s very important to have both of your hands on the steering wheel ready to turn around the corner.
LOOK– Whether you are turning left and right, it is important to keep your eyes on the road at all times. You should be looking ahead at the road and where you want to turn. Regular checks in rear-view mirror should also be maintained.
Corner– you need to be able to judge when to start steering around the corner and you’ll need to know how much to turn the wheel to get you around the corner safely. A good tip when turning left is this. When your bonnet gets inline with the left edge of the road you are about to turn into, then this is a good time to start steering. IF you are turning right, you want the bonnet of you car inline with the middle white line of the road you are about to turn in to. Whether you are steering left or right, it is approximately one steer of the wheel. It isn’t always the case, sometimes you will need more and sometimes you will need less. However with lots of practice, you should do just fine. Make sure you use the push-pull steering technique.
Priorities– It is very important to understand priorities when turning left and right. This will probably be your first time dealing with other traffic when dealing with junctions. However- the general rule is this: If you are turning left, you have priority over oncoming traffic turning right. This is because you are nearer the side road then the approaching vehicle. If you are turning right however- you need to give way to any oncoming vehicles. They have priority over you, and you should give way to them.
Judgement– Judgement isn’t always easy, especially when you are learning to drive and are dealing with a new topic. You’ll find your own way of judging normally, however, a good tip is this: When turning right- if you have an on-coming vehicle on the approach, you should ask yourself this question: “can you turn without effecting their driving?” If you think you could, then this could be how you judge it. Or another one is this:”Would you walk across the road as a pedestrian without needing to rush it?” If you would, this would also be a good way to judge. However- if you answered NO, then don’t go! Give way. Only advance when you have enough time to do so safely.
Anticipation– It is very important to start anticipating things at an early stage in your driving. Never assume anything and always expect sudden hazards. When turning left or right, make sure you have a good look into the new road for any hazards or approaching traffic and or pedestrians. These can also include parked cars and vehicles, children and things like pedestrian crossings.
Hazards– As already mentioned, hazards can appear at any time. Ensure you are observant and on the look out.
Main Points:
1 You MUST use the MSPSL routine nice and early
2 You should judge your road position using focal points
3 You need to know who has priority when turning left and right
4 You must keep the car at a safe speed at all times
5 You should steer using the push pull technique and try not to cross your arms
6 Anticipate any hazards
7 Look well ahead at all times
8 Make suitable progress in the new road.
