“When you are thinking of turning left, the first thing you need to do is check your mirrors to find out how your left turn will affect following traffic. You can’t make the final decision to turn until you know that it’s safe.
You might have already checked your mirror when passing a left turn, warning sign, or when instructed to turn by your driving supervisor or sat nav. But you are now checking as part of your hazard routine to make sure that it’s safe to turn.
You can use all your mirrors, however the most useful mirrors when turning left will usually be the interior mirror and the left door mirror in that order.
Your interior mirror will give you a picture of what is happening well behind. The left door mirror will tell you whether there is any immediate problem close behind and to the left. For example, the cyclist who could catch up as you slow down to make your turn.
Your mirrors will tell you if there is anything happening behind that might make it unsafe or unwise to turn, this is why the initial mirror checks must come before you confirm your intention with a signal.
You might need to use your mirrors several more times during the manoeuvre.
The key points are:
– Check your mirrors first to make sure that it’s safe to turn.
– You can use all your mirrors but the most useful mirrors will usually be the interior and left door mirror.
– Always check your mirrors before signalling.
– You will need your mirrors more than once.”
