RRT's in the winter

[Idahotom]

The other day I pulled out of the crane yard, which is directly across the 2 lane dead end street from the county sheriff's, county jail, and all of that. I needed to park the Yaris at the curb, then pull the crane out, park it, and then pull the Yaris back in the crane yard.

The entrance to the rear parking lot, where the jailers and deputies park their private cars plus the patrol units, was my turn around spot. Initiating the 180, it was clear that a judicious use of the parking brake and throttle would result in a nicely controlled ReducedRadiusTurn, and allow the turnaround to be accomplished in one fell swoop, rather then three point it.

I did this at about 5 mph, and the side swerve was very minor, and totally under control and away from other vehicles. As I parked at the curb and got out, a patrol SUV with 2 deputies stopped and one got out. It turns out the officer was unaware of the RRT manuver and it's usefulness, I attempted to enlighten him but he just kept saying I shouldn't do it anymore, while his partner stayed in the rig and kept laughing out loud. Finally I agreed I would not do it anymore right there in the sheriff parking lot entrance, and then mentioned I DO have a little fun when driving my stripped down 2200 lb (?)Yaris HB, instead of the 42,000 lb. crane truck, and I assured him I would never try that manuver in the crane. No ticket, didn't ask for my license or nothing, just a verbal warning