2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner's Manual - Page 197

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 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 theright 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 will have a "running start" that more than makes upfor the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happensto cause youto cancel your pass, you needonly slow down anddrop 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. Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When youare far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move backinto the right lane. (Remember that your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle you just passed may seemto be farther away from you than it really is.) Try not to passmore than one vehicle ata time on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the next vehicle. Don't overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. Even thoughthe brake lamps are not flashing,it may be slowing down or starting to turn. If you're being passed, make it easy for thefollowing a driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can ease little to the right. Loss of Control Let's review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don't have enough friction where thetires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. 4-16