GMC 1999 Sierra 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual page 201

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:
e
e
e
e
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.
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 aware
of your presence, tap the horn a couple of times before passing.
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.
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.
Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane
change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you
are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your
inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into
4-23