1996 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 174

Passing The driver of avehicle about to pass anotheron a two-lane highway waits for the right moment, just accelerates, moves aroundthe vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver? 0 a Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupiesthe 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 tipsfor passing: 0 Trive 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. 0 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. broken A l center line usually indicates it'sal right to pass (providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid line on your sideof the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty approaching traffic. of Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you're awaiting an opportunity. Forone thing, following too closely reducesyour 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 in the right lane and don't get too close. Time your moveso you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you willhave a "running start" thatmore than makes up for the distance you would lose bydropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slowdown and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. 0 If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone isn't trying to pass you asyou pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and.check the blind spot. .. . . I ,. 4-13