1996 GMC Savana Van Owner's Manual - Page 159

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 a s oncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error i n judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or an, crercan suddenly put the passing driver fzce to face with the worst of all traffic accidents -- the head-on collision. So here are some tips for passing: "Drive ahead." Look down the road. to the sides and to crossroads for situations might affect your that passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time. Wdtch 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 to center line usually indicates it's all right pass (providing the road ahead is cleat-). Never crossa solid line on your side of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic. Do not get too close to the vehicle you want t o pass while you're awaiting an 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 accelerate but stay i n the right lane and don't L (ret too close. Time your move so you will be ' increasing speed as the time colnes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a "running start" that more than makes LIP for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause ~ O Lto cancel your pass, I you need only slow clown and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. Ii'other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone isn*ttrying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Re~ne~nber glance over your shoulder and check to the blind spot. 4