1994 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 116

Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another ona two-lane highwaywaits for just theright moment, accelerates, moves around thevehicle ahead, then goes backinto theright lane again. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is potentially a dangerous move, sincethe passing vehicle occupiesthe same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration oranger can suddenlyput the passing driver face to face withthe worst of all traffic accidents - the head-on collision. So here are some tips for passing: "Drive ahead." Look down the road, to thesides, and to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait fora better time. Watch for trafficsigns, pavement markings, and lines.If you can seea sign up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken center line usually l indicates it'sal right to pass (providing the road ahead isclear). Never cross a solid lineon your sideof the lane or a double solidline, even if the road seems emptyof approaching traffic. Do not get too close to thevehicle you want topass while you're awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especiallyif you're following a larger vehicle. Also, you won't haveadequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slowsor stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. When it looks likea chance to pass is coming up,start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don't gettoo close. Time your move you will be so increasing speedas thetime comes to move into theother lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a "running start" thatmore than makes up for the distance you would loseby dropping back. And something if happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait foranother opportunity. If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone isn't tryingto pass you as you pull out topass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulderand check the blind spot. Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving of out the right lane to pass. When youare far enough ahead the passed of vehicle to see its frontin your inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move backinto theright lane. (Remember that your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle you just passed may seem be farther to away from youthan it really is.) T y not to pass more than onevehicle r at a time on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passingthe next vehicle. Don't overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. Eventhough the brake lightsare not flashing, it may be slowing down orstarting to turn.