multiple-lane roadways, passing usually must be done in a dedicated passing lane, or fast lane.

Use common sense. If you see a sign that says "No Passing Zone" or something similar, don't pass. If you're on a two-lane road, only pass when it's absolutely necessary. Follow all signs and local regulations.

And when in doubt, don't pass.

Mind your mirrors

The key to passing safely starts before you're even driving the car, with properly adjusted mirrors.

Try out the "BGE" system – or "Blindspot/Glare Elimination."

To set the driver-side mirror, put your head against the driver-side window and move the mirror until you can see nothing but the side of your car. For the inside mirror, lean into the center of the car and repeat the process with the passenger-side mirror. You will not be able to see the sides of your car while driving and may be unnerved at first, but it will be much easier to check your blind spot with a minimum of turning your head.

Complete the pass

If passing on a two-lane road, make sure you have a clear view of the road ahead. Hills and curves can obstruct your view of oncoming traffic. Make sure no cars are on side streets waiting to turn into the lane in which you will be passing, as they most likely won't be expecting you.

When you're getting ready to pass, check your mirrors and check over your shoulder. If your car has a blind spot detection system, still verify that it is safe to pass with your own eyes. Make sure that oncoming cars in the passing lane aren't traveling so fast that you will not be able to complete a pass in time.

Put on your turn signal and accelerate past the car you are passing, all while not exceeding the speed limit. Merge back into the lane of travel as soon as you have safely overtaken the slower traffic.

If, on a multiple-lane highway, two cars attempt to merge into the same lane during a passing maneuver, the car in the leftmost lane has the right of way.

Don't be a jerk

Just because you can fit your car somewhere doesn't mean that it's a good idea to squeeze in. A good trick to ensure you aren't "cutting off" another car is to only merge back into the travel lane once you can see the headlights of the car you have just passed in your rear view mirror. If you can't, you're probably too close. Cutting over at this point could cause an accident or even send another driver into a fit of road rage.

If it's legal to pass on the right, don't pass too quickly. Many drivers don't expect to be passed on the right.

Do not pass on the shoulder – it's often illegal, and can confuse other drivers. Also, driving too quickly on a rough shoulder can damage your car or cause you to lose control.

Midstripe photo on How-To frontdoor by Flavia/Flickr/CC

This page was last modified 01:18, 2 October 2010 by ralfred. Based on work by howto_admin.

Authors: How-To Wiki

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