GMC 1996 Savana Van Owner's Manual page 159

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
a s
oncoming
traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error i n
judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or an, crer can
suddenly put the passing driver fzce
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.
Wdtch 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 cleat-). 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
t o
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 i n the right lane and don't
increasing speed as the time colnes to move into the
other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have
a
"running start" that more than makes
LIP
for the
distance you would lose by dropping back. And if
something happens to cause
~ O L I
to cancel your pass,
you need only slow clown and drop back again and
wait for another opportunity.
L '
(ret too close. Time your move so you will be
Ii'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.
Re~ne~nber to glance over your shoulder and check
the blind
spot.
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