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.
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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.
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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.
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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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