| A
risky passing business.
Very
little attention is paid to correct overtaking while we
learn to drive. Incorrect overtaking is one of the
major causes of fatal collisions in Canada. Everyday
we see drivers trying to pass with fewer gaps between
vehicles, breaking speed limit, not checking around etc. Before
you decide to pass ask these questions:
- Is it really necessary?
It is not a good idea to pass if you are nearing your destination. A
few minutes here and there can sometimes make a difference between
life and death. Always
remember it is important to save life than time.
- Is it legal?
It is not legal to pass:
- If
you have to increase your speed and break the
speed limit to do so.
- Over
double centerlines.
- When
there is no broken yellow line on your side of
the road.
- If
the sign says: no overtaking.
- Is it safe?
Ask yourself:
- How
is the visibility?
- Are
there blind entry points (up hill, sharp turns
etc)
- Are
there school and/or pedestrian crossings?
- Do
you have sufficient space cushion.
Don’t
overtake:
- When another vehicle is overtaking ahead of you.
- Always check if another driver is overtaking you.
- If you are tight of space.
- Unless you are going to travel faster than the vehicle
in front of you.
- If there is any doubt in your mind! Holding back
is safer!
How
to overtake:
Check ahead for a safe passing
gap. Keep an eye on oncoming traffic. Check
your blind spots and rear-view mirrors. If
the oncoming lane is clear signal the left turn and
check your mirror and blind spot again. Accelerate
into the oncoming lane and keep looking well ahead into
the distance.
Be
prepared to drop back if the driver you are preparing
to pass moves uncertainly or speeds up. Also
be prepared to do so if you suddenly find your intended
path blocked. Signal
a return to the right lane. Pull
into the right lane when you can see the entire front-end
of the vehicle you passed in the rear-view mirror. Cancel
your signal. Check
the position of the passed car in your rear-view mirror.
Make
sure you are at a safe distance ahead of the car you
have passed before you ease up. |
