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:
0
“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.
0
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 trdfic.
0
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.
0
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.
0
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.
4-12
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