So here are some tips for passing:• Drive ahead. Look down the road, to the sidesand to crossroads for situations that mightaffect your passing patterns. If you have anydoubt whatsoever about making a successfulpass, wait for a better time.• Watch for traffic signs, pavement markingsand lines. If you can see a sign up aheadthat might indicate a turn or an intersection,delay your pass. A broken center lineusually indicates it is all right to pass, providingthe road ahead is clear. Never cross a solidline on your side of the lane or a double solidline, even if the road seems empty ofapproaching traffic.• Do not get too close to the vehicle you wantto pass while you are awaiting an opportunity.For one thing, following too closely reducesyour area of vision, especially if you arefollowing a larger vehicle. Also, you will nothave adequate space if the vehicle aheadsuddenly slows or stops. Keep back areasonable distance.• When it looks like a chance to pass iscoming up, start to accelerate but stay inthe right lane and do not get too close.Time your move so you will be increasingspeed as the time comes to move intothe other lane. If the way is clear to pass,you will have a running start that more thanmakes up for the distance you would loseby dropping back. And if something happensto cause you to cancel your pass, youneed only slow down and drop back againand wait for another opportunity.• If other vehicles are lined up to pass a slowvehicle, wait your turn. But take care thatsomeone is not trying to pass you as youpull out to pass the slow vehicle. Rememberto glance over your shoulder and checkthe blind spot.• Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulderand start your left lane change signal beforemoving out of the right lane to pass. When youare far enough ahead of the passed vehicleto see its front in your inside mirror, activateyour right lane change signal and moveback into the right lane. Remember that if yourpassenger side outside mirror is convex, thevehicle you just passed may seem to befarther away from you than it really is.332
