So, my wife has been giving me a hard time about my driving (she has about 10 years experience, I have about 4 weeks).

Specifically she has told me that I turn very slowly into side streets, the discussion been triggered by some tailgating cabbie shouting something (not sure what, because the windows were closed) when we were turning off the main road today.

She says that I slow down, almost to a stop, before turning, and that somebody is likely to rearend me because they wouldn't expect me to be so slow when turning, when they can see that the opposite lane is clear.

The street in question that I am turning into is pretty narrow, with cars parked both sides, meaning that there is definitely not room for two cars to pass each other. The cars are also parked very close to the junction blocking the view until you are well into the junction, and cars absolutely belt down the road (loads of young lads in cars doing well over the limit).

Now, the cars behind me *should* be leaving room for them to stop safely if they can't get past me, but the reality is that they drive close and fast.

My thoughts are that I need to be that slow to be able to turn into the side street without crossing the middle line and to check that the street is clear. I could probably turn faster with more experience, but my wife admits that if I was going much faster I would probably have to cut the line and therefore, in my opinion, not be seeing down the road before turning into it.

She suggests that, in the worst case, I would be able to stop during the turn, although that would leave me over the oncoming lane (of the main road). I fear that, in fact, because the speeding drivers in the side street only brake in time to give way I could find myself turning into them.

In theory, I reckon that I am in the right, because I am turning within the lines, am checking that the exit road is clear and if somebody rear ends me they haven't left the right gap and/or haven't been paying attention.

However, what is right in theory, is little value if I get rearended or hit in the front from the car speeding down the road I am turning into.

No doubt there is some middle ground, but giving that I cannot always turn at exactly the optimum speed, do I err towards taking my time or towards turning a bit faster?

Any thoughts would be really appreciated.

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