10 steps for overtaking on an open road
Overtaking on a big open road can be as daunting as it is dangerous. In a report, the AA stated that it’s also one of the most risky things you can do as a driver if you’re not exercising extreme caution.
Speeding is usually one of the main reasons for head-on collisions when overtaking and can cost the lives of many.
“Overtaking on the open road requires you to judge speed, obstacles and risks, not to mention other potential hazards such as road surface conditions. Every year, many people are killed in head-on collisions on our roads because of dangerous and badly executed overtaking. Here are ten steps for overtaking on the open road.”
The AA recommends the following ten steps for overtaking on an open road:
Drop back
There’s no rule that says you have to overtake slower traffic. If you’re not confident that it can be done safely, but the cars behind you are getting impatient, drop back from the vehicle ahead of you to give other vehicles space to overtake you.
Check ahead
Check ahead to make sure that the road is clear, and that there is no oncoming traffic.
Take notice of road markings
Check the road markings. If there is a solid white line on your side of the road, it means that road conditions are not safe for you to overtake. It could mean a blind rise, turn or crossing is approaching. It’s not only dangerous, but also illegal, to overtake on a solid white line.
Maintain a safe gap
Maintain a safe gap of at least two seconds between you and the vehicle ahead. If you are too close you might not be able to see oncoming traffic. You also need the space to accelerate sufficiently before pulling into the oncoming lane.
Remember that, especially in the case of large vehicles such as trucks, if you can’t see its side mirrors, the driver of that vehicle can’t see you, and will therefore not be aware that you are preparing to overtake.
Double check the space
Is there enough space for you to pass? The faster the vehicle ahead of you is travelling, the more space you’ll need. Of course, bigger vehicles such as trucks and buses require more time to pass safely.
Bear in mind that the vehicle ahead of you might not be maintaining a safe following distance in respect of the vehicle ahead of it, so you might have to overtake more than one vehicle.
Ready to pass
Once you’ve established that it’s safe to pass, gear down, check your mirrors and blind spots to make sure that no one is trying to pass you and then signal your intention to move right.
Make your move
Now it’s time to make your move. Commit and execute. Accelerate and do a final mirror check before moving into the right-hand lane.
Check blind spots
Once you can see the vehicle or vehicles you are passing in your rear-view mirror, check your blind spots again and signal that you are moving back into the left lane. Do so when there is enough space for your vehicle.
Adjust your speed
Once you are back in your lane turn off the indicator and adjust your speed and following distance if necessary.
Keep calm
Under no circumstances should you be aggressive or confrontational towards other drivers on the road, whether you are overtaking or being overtaken. Maintain a safe following distance, don’t accelerate to prevent other vehicles from moving in ahead of you, and don’t pull in ahead of vehicles and slam on your brakes. Common courtesy goes a long way towards making the road safe for everyone.
Safety first
Don’t be foolish. If you’re unsure, don’t overtake. Knowing your own capabilities, and that of your vehicle, will go a long way towards enabling you to judge whether overtaking is indeed the best option at that point. Only by driving responsibly can we ensure the safety of all motorists, passengers and pedestrians on our roads.
Source: The AA