Helpful Driving Information

DEMANDS FOR PROPER PASSING

Impatience, timing errors, and poor judgment of space when passing often result in disastrous head-on collisions.
The major responsibility for passing safely belongs to the driver who is passing. The driver needs to make the correct decision quickly. So, before you pass a vehicle, ask yourself:

• Is it legal?
• Is it safe?
• Is it worth it?

DEMANDS FOR PROPER PASSING

Avoid passing other vehicles, including motorcycles and bicycles, on two-lane roads; it is dangerous. Every time you pass, you increase your chances of having a collision. This is because whenever you pass another vehicle on a two-lane road, you must enter a lane that belongs to oncoming cars.
A safe passing maneuver also depends on your vehicle’s condition, e.g., its acceleration, braking, steering, and other performance capabilities.

ONCOMING VEHICLES

It is hard to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles one-third of a mile away. They don't seem to be coming as fast as they really are. A vehicle that is far enough away generally appears to be standing still. In fact, if you can really see it moving closer to you, it is probably too close for you to start to pass.

WHEN PASSING IS AUTHORIZED OR PROHIBITED

Passing is illegal and unsafe in the following conditions:

• Your line-of-sight is restricted or limited by a curve, hill, or weather conditions, e.g., fog, rain, snow.
• When space is narrowed, and your front zones are closed.
• Cross-traffic is present, even if there are no warning signs.
• When there is a solid yellow line on your side of the roadway.
• A school bus is loading or unloading children.

WHEN PASSING IS AUTHORIZED OR PROHIBITED

• Attempting to pass a long line of vehicles.
• A vehicle ahead has indicated an intention to turn or stop.
• Traffic is too close.
• If you are unable to complete the pass before reaching the no-passing zone lane marking.
• The vehicle ahead is at or near the speed limit.
  

STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL PASSING

When overtaking an ongoing car, you should:

• Scan for hazards, e.g., oncoming vehicles, vehicles approaching from rear, merging vehicles;
• Check for blind spots;
• Signal your intention and accelerate into passing lane;
• Accelerate quickly to an appropriate speed;
• Concentrate on the path ahead;
• Check the mirror for following cars.

STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL PASSING

When returning to the lane, do the following:

• Check the rearview mirror for the front of the car being passed
• Signal your intention
• Change lanes and maintain speed
• Cancel turn signal

BEING PASSED

You must constantly be aware of passing vehicles. Frequently check your mirrors and be aware of the space around you. When a vehicle begins passing, it is a good idea to move into far right side of the lane.
Never speed up when being passed. If you hear a warning honk from the driver trying to pass, give the right-of-way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle.