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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:
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.
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.
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.
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