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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 traRic 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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