10 Steps To Overtake Safely On Highways
Although difficult it might seem, this article is very important to drivers, especially to those traveling along our highways and expressways. It therefore has to be penned.
Experts on the subject of overtaking frequently recommend the necessity to adopt some 10 steps which a driver has to follow while doing this maneuver.
Before attempting to overtake the vehicle in front of you, first ensure that car you’re driving has the power. That’s why bigger c.c. cars are chosen by those who travel outstation more, compared to small models like the Kancil for an example.
1. Following behind the car in front
The first step is to follow the car in front of you a safe distance behind. Ideally 100 meters seems to be a safe suggestion.
2. Ensure there are no oncoming vehicles in front
Look ahead some 100 meters or more. Only when you’re sure that there are no vehicles coming ahead of you, can you then decide to overtake. Therefore at corners, you should not try to overtake.
Even when you see a motorcycle coming ahead, you should not attempt to overtake, what more a petrol tanker approaching fast. Remember also, that it takes about 10 seconds to complete a full procedure of overtaking a vehicle.
3. The necessity to look behind
Looking behind is extremely important. There might be a car or cars attempting to overtake you. In such instances, delay your attempt overtaking the car in front of you. Here, your rear mirror and your right side mirror play an important role.
4. Showing your intention to overtake (putting on signals)
Your right hand side mirror should ideally blink for 3 seconds, followed then by your moving out from the left lane into the right lane slowly.
5. Moving to the right lane
Ensure you have enough space to move comfortably from the left lane to the right lane. Observe your rear mirror and your right hand side mirror while doing so.
6. Increasing speed, change 3rd third gear
In moving to the right lane, a driver is recommended to engage 3rd gear, which not only has to speed or power to accelerate the car forward fast, but at the same time takes a shorter span of time to complete the procedure of overtaking. Depending on the car your overtaking on the left, remember the procedure of overtaking may take up to a full 10 seconds to complete.
Should you see a tanker, a car, or a lorry approaching on the right lane in front of you, this represents danger. You must now decide whether to proceed with the overtaking procedure or abort the attempt to overtake.
My advice is, in overtaking, to not take risks. Sensing the inability to overtake safely, a good driver should decide not to overtake. Fall back, meaning reduce speed and go back to your original left lane and tailgate the car in front of you.
Wait for another chance to attempt overtaking at some other moment. However, should you be stubborn, and choose to proceed with your overtaking procedures in spite of the danger approaching you, you may most likely end up in a collision or accident.
7. Communicate with the vehicle you are overtaking
Assume that all goes well. You are now on the right lane, about to overtake the car beside you. Drawing aside it, and at a point abreast with it, let the driver know by horning once or flashing your headlights. This method is frequently practiced by taxi drivers who are assumed to be good drivers considering the number of hours they spend on the road.
8. Signaling left to come into the left
Having overtaken the vehicle in front of you, move forward in certain safe distance, looking at your rear mirror, engage your indicators to your left for a minimum of 3 seconds, and gradually enter the left lane.
9. Moving towards the left lane
Before you attempt to move into the left lane, check that you are able to see front portion of the car you just overtook. This means you are now safely in the proper lane.
10. Continue your journey
Continue your journey, making sure you adopt the 2 second rule in following the cars in front.
Follow the 10 recommended steps in your endeavor to overtake other vehicles along our highways and expressways.
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