1996 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual

PaAngThe driver of a vehicle about to pass another on atwo-lane highway waits for justhe right moment,accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goesback into the right lane again. A simple maneuver?Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lanehighway is a potentially dangerous move, since thepassing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncomingtraffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error injudgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger cansuddenly put the passing driver face to face with theworst 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 tocrossroads for situations that might affect your passingpatterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever aboutmaking a successful pass, wait for a better time.Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and lines.If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate aturn or an intersection, delay your pass. A brokencenter line usually indicates it’s all right to pass(providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solidline on your side of the lane or a double solid line,even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic.0 Do not get too close to the vehicle you want topass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For onething, following too closely reduces your area ofvision, especially if you’re following a largervehicle. Also, you won’t have adequate space if thevehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back areasonable distance.When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up,start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don’tget too close. Time your move so you will beincreasing speed as the time comes to move into theother lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a“running start” that more than makes up for thedistance you would lose by dropping back. And ifsomething happens to cause you to cancel your pass,you need only slow down and drop back again andwait for another opportunity.If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, waityour turn. But take care that someone isn’t trying topass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle.Remember to glance over your shoulder and checkthe blind spot.4-12