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.
0
If other vehicles 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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