1997 Chevrolet Lumina Owner's Manual - Page 169

Passing The driver of a vehicleabout to passanother on a two-lane highway waitsfor just the rightmoment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the rightlane again. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily!Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, sincethe passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration anger can or 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: 0 0 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 suddenlyslows 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 and don't lane get too close. Time your move you will be so increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane.If the way is clear to pass, you will a have "running start" that more than makes up the for distance you wouldlose by dropping back.And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and back again and drop wait for another opportunity. If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take that someone isn't trying to care pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember toglance over your shoulder and check the blind spot. 0 "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 for a better time. Watch for trai5c signs, pavement markings and lines. If you can see a signup 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 crosssolid a line on your side of the lane or double solid line, a even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic. 4-13