Passing-Ch 6

Passing

• The law requires that we drive on the right side of the road.

• When you pass, u usually do on the left

• only pass on right in certain circumstances-when necessary and safe

• cannot exceed speed limit when doing so

• When you pass a motorcycle, remember to give the motorcycle the same full lane width as other vehicles are allowed

• When you pass a bicycle, be sure to give the cyclist sufficient space to ride.

  • When overtaking a bicyclist from behind, the law requires you to pass on the left at a safe distance

• The law requires you to use turn signal lamps or hand and arm signals to indicate your intention to change lanes at least 100 feet

You cannot pass a vehicle on the left if…

• your lane has a solid yellow center line.

• You cannot safely return to the right lane before you reach a solid yellow center line for the right lane.

• You cannot safely return to the right lane before any oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet (60 m) of you.

• You approach a curve or the top of a hill on a two-way road and cannot see around or over it.

• You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a railroad crossing on a two-way roadway.

• You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a bridge, tunnel or viaduct on a two-way road and your view is obstructed.

• If you try to pass, you will interfere with oncoming traffic.

How to pass on the left

• If conditions are correct to pass, check in your mirrors and signal your lane change.

• Before you pull into the left lane, look quickly over your left shoulder, through the back side window

• When you pass, move completely into the left lane.

• Before you return to the right lane, signal and look at your interior rear-view mirror and make sure you can see the front bumper of the vehicle you passed.

• Look quickly over your right shoulder to make sure that you can see at least several feet of pavement between your vehicle and the one you passed.

• Then return to the right lane.

You CAN pass on the right if…

• When a vehicle ahead makes a left turn.

• When you are on a two-way road that is marked for two or more lanes or is wide enough for two or more lanes in each direction, and passing is not prohibited by signs or restricted by parked cars or other obstructions.

• When you drive on a one-way road that is marked for two or more lanes or is wide enough for two or more lanes, and passing is not prohibited by signs or restricted by parked cars or other obstructions.

How to pass on the right

• If you prepare to pass on the right at an intersection, check the traffic ahead carefully.

• Make sure a vehicle that is approaching is not prepared to turn left into your path, and watch at the right side of the road for pedestrians, bicyclists, in-line skaters and moped riders.

• Before you pass on the right on multi-lane roads like expressways, make sure you check your mirrors, use the correct signals for the lane change and look over your right shoulder for other vehicles.

• After you pass, make sure to quickly look over your left shoulder and signal before you return to the left lane.

Being passed

• If another vehicle passes you on the left, decrease your speed slightly and stay centered in your lane. When the vehicle has safely passed and is ahead of you, continue at your normal speed.

• If you find that you are being passed on the right by many vehicles, you should move into the right lane and allow them to pass you on the left.

School Buses

• When a stopped school bus flashes its red light(s), traffic that approaches from either direction must stop before it reaches the bus.

• Before a school bus stops to load or discharge passengers, the driver will usually flash yellow warning lights which are located on the front and back of the bus near the roof. When you see them, decrease speed and be prepared to stop.

• When you stop for a school bus, you cannot drive again until the bus starts moving again or when the bus driver or a traffic officer signals that you can proceed

• After you stop for a school bus, look for children along the side of the road. Drive slowly until you have passed them.