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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
fixstration or anger can
'suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the-
worst df all traffic accidents
--
the head-on collision.
So here are some tips for passing:
e
"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.
6
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
a l l
right to
pass
,
Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass
while you're awaiting an opportunity. For
m e thing,
following too closely rkduces 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.
e
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.
(provid-ing 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.
4-12
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