Passing Traffic Safely

Surprisingly, one of the most difficult things to learn about driving is how to pass another vehicle safely. To many people it does not matter whether they are on an average town street, the freeway, or some dirt road somewhere they are going to pass however they want to without any real regard to their own safety, let alone the safety of others who may be on the road at the same time as they are.

A story that illustrates this point is how, just the other day, I was getting on to the freeway driving a very large older truck. In fact, this truck was so large it would have been nigh inconceivable that someone could not see it. Yet, apparently that is exactly what happened, as an even larger semi-truck tried to run me off the road.

What I found to be most surprising is that the safest way to pass any vehicle is the same, regardless of what type of road you are on. All it takes is a little common sense, and forethought, and you are going to be able to pass any vehicle safely. Here are the elemental rules for being able to safely, correctly and quickly pass anyone.

• Side. In most states within the United States of America, we are required to pass on the left side of the road. Nominally this is to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. As we all know, faster traffic is to the left, while the slower should stay to the right. This may not happen all the time, due to the fact that slow moving traffic seems to happen in all lanes, but as much as is possible, pass only on the left.
• Signal. Signaling allows the vehicle ahead, and behind of you to know which direction that you are going to be moving. This again helps to minimize potential accidents. Just remember, other drivers cannot read your mind, and as such they would probably like to know what you are going to be doing.
• Speed. Whenever you are driving speed of travel is of the utmost importance. You never want to be traveling at an unsafe speed for whatever road conditions exist. This applies just as strongly to passing other vehicles as well. Do not go too fast, or too slow for passing, since you do not want to become a danger to those around you.
• Room. Only pass when you have enough room to be able to do so safely. A good rule of thumb is that when another vehicle (like that large semi barreling right at you) is about three seconds away from hitting you, you really should be back in your original lane. Roughly speaking, three seconds is 200 feet of distance.