How to Make a Bootlegger Turn
In the Prohibition era, bootleggers modified their automobiles in order to escape law officers if they were transporting illegal alcoholic beverages. As trafficking in "moonshine" increased, a method of quickly turning one's car around and racing back in the opposite direction, known as a bootlegger turn, became the popular way to evade the law. With a little practice, you can do this same turn today.
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Instructions
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1
Find a little-used road where you have a clear view of traffic in both directions. Performing the bootlegger turn can be dangerous. Attempt it only if you are a good driver and your automobile has a low wheelbase. Cars that sit higher off the ground may roll over during a bootlegger turn.
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2
Grab the handle of the parking brake in an automatic transmission car as you approach the designated turn spot. Keep in mind that you must release the brake as soon as your vehicle has turned so be prepared.
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3
Approach the turn spot at a speed between 25 mph and 45 mph. Practice at the lower speed and if it is not sufficient to turn your car, increase the speed gradually.
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4
Pull the handle of the parking brake at the same time you turn the steering wheel sharply to the left. This causes your back tires to lock and skid. By turning sharply to the left, you control the skid and your car spins around in the road, ending up in the opposite lane facing the way you came.
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5
Immediately release the parking brake when your car is facing the other direction in order to allow your rear wheels to "catch." Straighten out the steering wheel and accelerate.
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6
Practice the bootlegger turn until you can perform it efficiently. Although you shouldn't use it to evade law enforcement officers, it might come in handy if you need to quickly turn and retreat from an approaching tornado.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also do a bootlegger turn if you drive a manual transmission by shifting into second gear and disengaging the clutch before pulling the parking brake. Once you've spun the vehicle around as described in Step 4, accelerate and pop the clutch. The rear tires will grab and you can speed away.
If you don't release the parking brake as soon as your car is facing the opposite direction, you could skid off the road. Keep in mind that you must release the brake before you ever begin the turn.
