2003 GMC Safari 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 to pass while you're awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces yourarea of vision, especially if you're following a larger vehicle. Also, you won't have adequate spacethe vehicle ahead if suddenly slows or stops. Keep back reasonable a distance. @ "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. When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stayin the right lane and don't gettoo close. Time your move you will be so increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. Ifthe way is clear to pass, you will have a "running start" that more than makes for the up distance you would loseby 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 the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot. * 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