Passing another vehicle will always temporarily increase the risk you are exposed to at any given time on a stretch of roadway. However, passing will sometimes be necessary to mitigate other dangers, for instance, when a vehicle in front of you is traveling too slowly. We will discuss when you should pass another vehicle, how you should execute that pass and what you must do when another driver seeks to pass you.
In optimal conditions, it is always wise to drive as close to the posted speed limit as possible. When all vehicles on the roadway are traveling at the same speed, there is less opportunity for conflict or congestion to occur.
Sometimes, you may encounter a driver on the roadway ahead of you who is traveling too slowly for you to obey the posted speed limit and maintain a safe following distance. This could be because they are experiencing a mechanical problem with their vehicle, or simply because they are being overly cautious. In such situations, you should seek to pass the slower vehicle if it is safely possible. When you cannot safely pass, reduce your speed instead. Do not tailgate under any circumstances!
As passing is always risky, you must fully evaluate the situation before attempting the maneuver. On a two-lane road with one lane for traffic moving in each direction, passing will involve merging into a lane occupied by oncoming traffic. You should only pass by merging into an opposing lane of traffic if you are certain there is a large enough gap between vehicles for you to pass and merge back into the right-hand lane safely.
In deciding if it is safe to pass, drivers must consider whether traffic, road and weather conditions afford them enough time to complete the maneuver. Never attempt to pass another vehicle if doing so would put you in greater danger than continuing to follow it. In general, motorists should only entertain passing if they are traveling at least 10 mph faster than the car they wish to pass. Even then, waiting for a safe opportunity is essential.
Remember that most situations require passing on the left-hand side of the vehicle in front. Passing on the right – an issue discussed in our next article - is permitted only in certain rare circumstances.
Before signaling your intention to pass the vehicle in front of you, ask yourself the following questions:
Communicating your intention to pass before beginning the maneuver is essential. You must make sure that all other vehicles in your vicinity recognize your intentions. In most cases, activating your left-turn indicator and moving toward the left side of your lane should make your intentions clear. Though, it may sometimes be necessary to flash your headlights or tap your horn to warn the driver in front, if you believe they are not prepared for you to pass.
Obviously, there is a great deal to consider when deciding if passing is both legal and safe in any situation. Often, traffic control devices such as pavement markings and road signs will make it abundantly clear when passing is prohibited. In other situations, you must rely solely on your judgment and knowledge of road rules. For example, did you know passing is illegal at railroad crossings and intersections? Following this introduction, “When Passing is Permitted” explores general passing rules, laws and other essential information.
If passing the vehicle ahead of you creates a dangerous situation, you could be cited for dangerous driving even if passing is generally permitted on the roadway. Always check for hazards before you pass and continue to monitor the situation as you complete the maneuver. In an ideal world, the driver you are passing will do their best to allow you to pass, though you must be prepared for unexpected complications. For instance:
If any of the above situations occur before you have passed, reduce your speed and signal your intention to merge back into the right-hand lane behind the vehicle.
In addition to checking your mirrors, always look over your shoulder to check your vehicle’s blind spots before signaling your intention to pass. You may otherwise miss another driver who is in the process of passing you. Do your best to avoid driving in the blind spots of the vehicle you are passing, or they may fail to see you and accelerate or attempt to change lanes. Never linger in another vehicle’s blind spots while passing them or for any other reason.
Passing hesitantly can be just as dangerous as passing without due consideration. Your aim should always be to complete the pass in a controlled manner, yet in the shortest possible time. Follow these steps when passing, to complete the maneuver confidently and safely:
