1993 Oldsmobile 88 Owner's Manual - Page 165

Your Driving and the Road Passing The driverof 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, anerror in judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration anger or 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: "Drive ahead." Look down the road, to the sides,and to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. Ifyou 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 laneor a double solid line, even if the road sgem8,Wpty approaching of traffic. If you suspect that the driver of the vehicle you want to pass isn't aware of your presence, tap the horn a couple of times before 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 your area of vision, especially if you're following a larger vehicle. Also,you won't have adequate spaceif the vehicle ahead suddenly slowsor 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 don't get too and close. Time yourmove so you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the is way clear to pass, will havea "running you start" that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity If other carsare lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care 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.