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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 traffic.
If you suspect that the driver of the vehicle you want to pass isn't
Do not get too close
to
the vehicle you want to pass while you're
aware of your presence, tap the horn a couple of times before passing.
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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