Passing
The driver of
a
vehicle about to pass another on
a
two-lane highway waits
for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around
the
vehicle ahead, then
goes back
into
the right lane again. A simple maneuver?
Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle
on
a
two-lane highway is
a
potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same
lane
as
oncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in
judgment,
or
a brief surrender
to
frustration or anger can suddenly put the
passing driver face to face with
the
worst of all traffic accidents
-
the
head-on collision.
So
here are some tips for passing:
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“Drive ahead.” Look down the road,
to
the sides, and
to
crossroads for
situations
that
might affect your passing patterns.
If
you have any doubt
whatsoever about making
a
successful pass,
wait
for
a
better time.
Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and
lines.
If
you
can
see
a
sign up ahead that might indicate
a
turn
or an intersection, delay
your
pass. A broken center
line
usually indicates
it’s
all right to pass
(providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross
a
solid
line
on
your
side of the lane or
a
double solid line, even if the road seems empty of
approaching traffic.
Do
not get too close
to
the vehicle you want to pass while you’re
awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces
your area
of
vision, especially
if
you’re following
a
larger vehicle.
Also,
you
won’t have adequate space
if
the vehicle ahead suddenly
slows or stops. Keep back
a
reasonable distance.
When it looks like
a
chance
to
pass is coming up, start
to
accelerate but
stay
in
the right lane and don’t get
too
close. Time your move
so
you
will be increasing speed as
the
time comes
to
move into the other
lane.
If
the way
is
clear to pass, you
will
have
a
“running start” that more
than
makes up for
the
distance you would lose by dropping back. And
if something happens to cause you
to
cancel your pass,
you
need
only
slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity.
If
other cars are lined up
to
pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn.
But
take care that someone isn’t trying to pass you
as
you pull out
to
pass
the
slow
vehicle.
Remember to glance over your shoulder and check
the blind spot.
Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane
change signal before moving
out
of the right lane
to
pass. When you
are far enough ahead
of
the passed vehicle to see its front
in
your inside
mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back
into
the
right lane. (Remember that your right outside mirror
is
convex. The
vehicle
you
just passed may seem to be farther away from you than
it
really is.)
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