Online Course

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SAFE PASSING

Demands of proper passing

Safe passing requires:

(a) good judgment,
(b) the ability to make correct decisions rapidly,
(c) good vision including depth perception, and
(d) knowledge of your vehicle's performance capabilities, acceleration, braking, and steering.

Oncoming vehicles, space cushion

At 55 mph, you will travel over 800 feet in 10 to 12 seconds. So will an oncoming vehicle. You will need over 1600 feet (or about one-third of a mile) to pass safely under these conditions, more at faster speeds. Since vehicles a distance of more than 1/3 of a mile seem to be heading toward you very slowly or even standing still it is difficult to judge how fast they are coming at you. If you can see the vehicle moving toward you, it is probably not safe to pass.

Returning, space cushion

Do not pull out to pass until you know you have enough space to return. Before you return to the driving lane, be sure you are not dangerously close to the car you have passed. One way to do this is to look for the car in the rear view mirror. When you can see both headlights, you have enough room to return to the driving lane. Do not count on having enough time to pass several cars at once. Do not count on other drivers making room for you.

When passing is authorized or prohibited

Passing lanes

On a two lane highway a third lane may be made available for limited distances and for purposes of passing called a "passing lane." The passing lane is separated by a broken white line from the right-side lane you are in. There will normally be a double yellow line on the left side of the passing lane which separates you from oncoming traffic and over which you may not cross. A passing lane may be used only for passing, and you must return to the right lane as soon as you have completed passing. There will frequently be signs indicating that a passing lane is ahead.

You should never drive off the paved or maintained portion of roadway to pass. The right edge of the main-traveled portion of the highway is frequently marked by a solid white line. You may cautiously pass on the right as ling as you do not leave the paved or main traveled portion of the roadway

In general you should pass a vehicle or bicycle going in your direction on the left and you should not drive closer than three feet to a bicycle when passing.

If a lane is narrow, wait until traffic is clear so you can change lanes before passing a bicyclist.

You should never pass on the left or drive off road to the left when car ahead is signaling a left hand turn.

The time saved by passing on two lane roads is frequently not worth the risk.

Special situations

Special regulations may be posted for passing:

(a) when there is limited clearance,
(b) on hills,
(c) at intersections,
(d) at railroad crossings,
(e) at bridges or abutments, when approaching a school bus.

Passing, dangerous situations

In addition to not passing when signs prohibit it, it is particularly dangerous to pass when:

(a) you must pass a long line of slow moving or stopped vehicles,
(b) the vehicle ahead has indicated an intention to turn or stop,
(c) when the vehicle you are passing has stopped or slowed significantly for a reason that is not apparent to you,
(d) oncoming cars are too close,
(e) you cannot complete the passing maneuver before you reach a no passing zone,
(f) you encounter a school bus with flashing red lights or
(g) you suspect that the road surface ahead may change abruptly.

The adequacy of the space you have to pass must be judged in terms of:

(a) oncoming cars,
(b) hills or curves ahead,
(c) intersections ahead, and
(d) road obstructions.

It is dangerous to pass another vehicle in areas where there may be cross traffic such as near an intersection because your view and that of the driver crossing are both at least partially obstructed.

Passing, assessing when it's safe

Assessing whether you can safely pass includes:

(a) identifying that there is a safe distance to complete the pass,
(b) identifying an end-of-pass gap to pull back into lane and complete the pass,
(c) establish a safe response for hazards,
(d) checking for road traffic.

It is against the law to pass when your view of the road ahead is obstructed and when within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.

Steps for safe passing

The steps for safe passing are:

(a) to scan for oncoming vehicles, vehicles approaching from the rear who may be intent on passing you, and merging vehicles,
(b) to check your blind spots,
(c) to signal your intent to pass,
(d) to obtain a speed advantage,
(e) to re-check conditions ahead,
(f) to create a return space,
(g) to signal return,
(h) to merge back into the original lane.

When passing, look ahead for changing lane conditions which may be signaled by:

(a) pedestrians or bicyclists near roadway,
(b) narrow bridge,
(c) obstructions,
(d) changes in road conditions (ice, water, etc.).

When being passed by others

When you are being passed by another vehicle, you should:

(a) maintain your speed and/or,
(b) yield by slowing or changing lanes, or moving to the far right hand portion of the road, if necessary and safe.