1993 Buick Regal Owner's Manual - Page 149

too much steering angle,the vehicle may jump back onto theroad with so much steering inputthat it crosses over into the oncoming traffic before can bring it you back under control. Instead, easeoff again on the accelerator and steering input, straddle the pavement once more,then try again. 0 Passing The driver of a vehicle aboutto pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves aroundthe vehicle ahead,then goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming in traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the worst of all traffic accidents-- the head-on collision. 0 Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken center line usually indicates it's all right to pass (providing the road'ahead is clear). Never cross a solid line on your side of the lane or a doublesolid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic. If you suspect that the driver of the vehicle you want to pass isn't awareof your presence, tap the horn a couple of times before passing. 0 Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you're awaitingan opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you're following a larger vehicle. Also, you won't have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops.Keep back a reasonable distance. When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to acceleratebut stay in the right lane and don't get too close. Timeyour move so you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a "running start" that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, 0 So here are some tips forpassing: 0 "Drive ahead." Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time. 147