Chapter 14

 Section 4 Defensive Driving and Safety

Chapter 14 

Correctly turn corners

A stretch limousine is nothing but a longer version of any ordinary road going vehicle. They all have the same steering system as the original vehicle, with a stronger suspension system and braking system to carry the extra weight.  The most obvious reason that turns can be more challenging in a stretch limousine is the overall length of the vehicle.  This is only part of the problem.  The wheelbase is the real reason turns can be so challenging in a limousine. You will have clients compare the length of the limousine to their RV or truck and boat trailer, telling you how they have no problem driving those in their driveway or neighborhood.  A 30 foot limousine and a 30 foot RV are the same length, but the limousine has a 26 foot wheelbase and the RV has a 20 foot wheelbase, allowing its driver to go places your limousine cannot. Keep in mind that with the longer wheelbase, the ground clearance is also much less. Even though the limousine appears to have the same ground clearance as a regular vehicle, it does not because of the wheelbase. This becomes very obvious on very steep declines, but even a normal decline can present problems.

Potential problems that can occur when maneuvering a stretch limousine include:

• Knowing when the appropriate time is to turn the steering wheel
• Using the mirrors on the limousine
• The space involved to complete a turn
• High centering
• Poor visibility 

How is making a turn in a limousine different from making a turn in a sedan?  In a limousine you have to allow enough room for both the front and rear wheels to complete the turn on different paths, compared to that of a sedan whose front and rear wheels take close to the same path.  In a sedan it is fairly easy to make a turn without hitting anything.  Most body damage found on a used limousine is in the middle of the vehicle. This is a result of a driver making an incorrect turn.  

Drivers need to allow room for maneuvers, especially tight right turns. Be cautious and don’t rush. The most critical part of a turn is the set up.  One needs to start preparing for the turn 1 ½ blocks before the turn. When preparing for a right hand turn you will need to be to the far left of the right hand lane. Be mindful of blind spots that pedestrians could be in when turning as this poses a significant risk. Check for oncoming traffic before proceeding through an intersection to allow plenty of time to complete the turn safely.

In a perfect right turn

• The entire limousine clears the curb at the corner
• The limousine stays as nearly as possible in its own lane of traffic

The first question we want to ask ourselves before making a turn is: Can I make it? If you don't think you can make it, don't try.  And if you get into the turn and decide you can't make it, stop!

What do we have to think about when we are setting up a right turn?

• Where is my limousine now in relation to the parallel curb?
• Where are my rear wheels?
• What lane am I going into?
• What kind of street am I turning into?
• How much traffic is there on both streets?
• What is my visibility to make this turn?
• Should I stop before the turn and, if so, where?
• Where should my hands be on the steering wheel while turning?
• How far do I have to angle out when leaving the curb?
• Where should I begin the turn?
• How fast should I be going when making the turn?
• How will I straighten out after the turn?

Now let's talk about the correct way to make a right turn

• Move into the far left of the right-hand lane
• Turn on your turn signal
• Check all mirrors for traffic surrounding the limousine
• Slow to 10 mph or less
• Put your hands in the correct turning position
• Check that you are 4 feet from the curb or parked cars
• Check all mirrors for pedestrians and other vehicles before starting your turn
• When you can see straight down the curb line of the lane you are turning into, turn your steering wheel
• As you begin to turn, check your left side mirror
• Make adjustments (e.g., straighten the wheel, slow down)
• Stop if you are about to come into contact with a problem object
• Check right side mirrors and complete your turn
• Straighten the front wheels
• Check all mirrors after you complete your turn

What do we have to think about when we are setting up a left turn?

• Where am I going?
• Where is my limousine in relation to the median and to traffic?
• Am I parallel to the median?
• What lane am I turning into?
• Where should I stop before the turn?
• Where should I begin the turn in relation to oncoming traffic?
• What should the speed of the limousine be when making the turn?
• How should I straighten out after the turn?

Now let's talk about the correct way to make a left turn

• Turn on your turn signal
• Move to the far-left lane.  If there are two turning lanes, use the right lane of the two.
• Check all mirrors for traffic surrounding the limousine
• Slow to 10 mph or less
• Put your hands in the correct turning position
• Keep your wheels straight
• Bring the front of the limousine to the center of the intersection before you start the turn.  
• Don't move into the intersection until traffic in front of you has completed the turn
• Check all mirrors for pedestrians and other vehicles before starting your turn
• Watch for problem objects
• As you begin to turn, check your right side mirror for tail swing
• Check tail swing again in the middle of the turn
• Make adjustments (e.g., straighten the wheel, slow down)
• Stop if you are about to come into contact with a problem object
• Complete your turn and check mirrors again