1997 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 178

Passing The driver of a vehicle aboutto pass another ona two-lane highway waits for just right moment, the accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right laneagain. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on two-lane a highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the as passing vehicle occupies the same lane oncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an errorin judgment, ora brief surrender to frustration or angercan suddenly put the passing driver face to face the with worst of all traffic accidents -- the head-on collision. 0 Do not get too close to thevehicle you want to pass while you're awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, of following too closely reduces your area vision, especially if you're following a larger vehicle. Also, you won't have adequate space the vehicle if ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. When it looks likea chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay inthe 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 to pass, 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 cause to cancelyour pass, you 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. But take care that someone isn't trying to pass you as you pull out to pass slow vehicle. the Remember to glance over your shoulder check and the blind spot. So here are some tips for passing: 0 "Drive ahead." Look down the road,to the sides and to crossroads for situations that mightaffect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait a better time. for 0 Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and lines. If you cansee 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 (praviding the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid line on yourside of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty approaching traffic. of 4-13