User Guide
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
malung
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 clexj. 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
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.
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