1998 Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual - Page 187

Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for the right moment, just accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. simple maneuver? A Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on two-lane a highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds. miscalculation, an error in A judgment, ora brief surrender to frustration or anger can suddenly put the passing driver to face with the face worst of all traffic accidents the head-on collision. -- 0 Do not get too close to the vehicle want to you pass while you're awaiting opportunity. For one an thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especiallyif you're followinga larger vehicle. Also,you won't have adequate space the if 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 stay in the right lane and don't but get too close. Time your move you will be so increasing speed as the time comes move into the to other lane.If the way is clear to pass, you will have a "running start"that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. if And something happens to cause to cancel your pass, you and you need only slow down and drop back again wait for another opportunity. If other cars are lined up to pass slow vehicle, wait a your turn. But take care that someone trying to isn't pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder check and the blind spot. 0 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. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, waitfor 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 crosssolid a line on your side of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems emptyof approaching traffic. 4-13