2003 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 187

Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the 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 traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in 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. So here are some tips for passing: Do not get too close to the vehicle you want pass to while you're awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your areaof vision, Also, especially if you're following a larger vehicle. you won't have adequate spaceif 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 accelerate but stay in the right lane and don't get too close. Time your move you will be so increasing speed asthe time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a "running start" that morethan makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. Andif something happensto cause youto cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. If other vehicles are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone isn't trying to pass youas you pull out to pass theslow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blindspot. "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 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 double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic. 4-12