1996 Cadillac DeVille Owner's Manual - Page 194

Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for the right moment, just accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. simple maneuver? A 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 traffic for several seconds. miscalculation, an error in A judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration anger can or suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the worst of all traffic accidents the head-on collision. -- 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 vision, of especially if you're following a larger vehicle. Also you won't have adequate space the vehicle ahead if suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. So here are some tips for passing: "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. Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a t r or an intersection, delay your un pass. A broken all center line usually indicates it's right to pass (providing the road aheadis clear). Never crossa solid line on your side of the lane a double solid line, or even if the road seems empty approaching traffic. of When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay in the right and don't lane so get too close. Time your move you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into th other lane.If the way is clear to pass, you will have a "running start'' that more than makes for the up distance you would lose dropping back. And if by something happensto cause you to cancel your pass, you needonly slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. If other cars are lined upto pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But takecare that someone isn't trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot. 4-13