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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 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 traff‘ic.
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
1s
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.
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