1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 175

Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waitsfor 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, 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 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, wait fora better time. Watch for traflic 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 it's all right to pass (providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross solid a line on your side of the lane or double solid line, a even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic. 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 slowsor stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay inthe right lane and don't get too close. Time your moveso you will be increasing speed asthe time comes to move the into other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a "running start" that more than makes up the for distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you cancel your pass, to you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. Buttake care that someoneisn't trying to pass you as youpull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot.