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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:
“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.
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