1997 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 188

Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for justthe 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 tofrustration or angercan suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the worst of all traffic accidents -- the head-on collision. Do not get too close tothe 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 the right lane and don't get too close. Time your move so you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear topass, you will have a "running start" that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to causeyou to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for anotheropportunity. 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 as you pull out topass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot. 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. broken A center line usually indicates all right to pass it's (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 approaching traffic. of ' 4-12