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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Trive 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.
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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4-13
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