How to Pass Safely on a Two-Lane Road

The art of passing on a two-lane road can be frustrating when you are in a hurry and the traffic is heavy; however, you must be patient and wait until the time is right. Improper passing can cause accidents and can be deadly. Consider these steps to pass safely on a two-lane road.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ability to stay alert
• Patience

1. Wait until it is safe to pass. Sometimes it is never safe to pass and you must follow the car in front of you, even if the car is going under the speed limit.

2. Keep enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you so you can see the road ahead of you clearly.

3. Check your rearview and side mirrors. You should also physically turn your head and look back to see if there are any vehicles in your blind spot.

4. Check to make sure you are not in a No Passing Zone and there are no on-coming vehicles in the left lane.

5. Signal your intentions before making the lane change into the on-coming traffic (left lane).

6. Make sure you have enough time and space to overtake the vehicle in front of you and return to the right lane before an approaching vehicle comes within 200 feet of you.

7. Pass on the left-hand side. Do not return to the right lane until you have safely and clearly passed the vehicle. You should be able to see the vehicle you just passed in your rearview mirror before you returning to the right lane.

Tips & Warnings

• Tap the horn if needed to alert the driver ahead to avoid surprising the driver you are passing.
• Remember to signal before you move into the left lane and again before you move back into the right lane. Also remember to turn your signal off after you pass the vehicle and have returned into the appropriate lane.
• Avoid cutting over too quickly and clipping the vehicle you are trying to pass.

[jr201]

on 11/19/2007 Step Six is inadequate for passing. At a approaching speed of 60 mph for each car other, the closing apeed is 176 feet per second. Allowing 200 feet just won't be enough.