TIPS ON WHERE AND WHEN TO OVERTAKE

 

Where to Overtake:

Some places are simply better and safer to overtake than others! The decision to overtake is more difficult on a single lane road because of the different physical nature of the road. Dual lane roads are more likely to be straighter and have a higher speed limit which makes overtaking easier. Single lane roads are not usually straight, at least not for very long, have lower speed limits, and the oncoming traffic is definitely a complicating factor. Overtaking is harder on the single lane road. 

The piece of road that you choose for overtaking must be free of junctions. Be alert to road markings indicating possible junctions. A vehicle emerging from a junction ahead may not be able to see you. If a vehicle does emerge from a junction ahead of you while you are performing an overtaking manoeuvre then the danger of an accident increases sharply. The farther you may identify slower moving vehicles ahead prior to overtaking the better.

You need a straight stretch of road that is long enough that you can move out, overtake the slower vehicle, and return to a normal driving position. Keep in mind that if the road is straight and allows you to increase speed, it would be so for oncoming traffic as well and they might also have increased their speed! Oncoming traffic has to be taken into consideration before overtaking, even the possibility of a car coming from around a bend.

The best road for overtaking will allow you greater visibility to see that there are no blockages ahead.

Where not to Overtake:

It is best not to consider overtaking at these spots:

• On the left shoulder of the road - to overtake on the wrong side in the emergency lane is totally inconsiderate of the needs of road users who in the case of an accident may be in need of emergency services. 

• Where a vehicle has stopped at a pedestrian crossing or a scholar patrol

• If overtaking can create a danger to any pedestrians such as in parking areas, building complexes, near schools etc

• Where the vehicle in front is slowing down at a YIELD sign 

• Where the driver of the vehicle ahead is not able to have a clear vision of what is behind and passing.

• Where pedestrians might be moving between parked vehicles and passengers climbing from vehicles. 

• Overtaking on crowded and busy city roads is dangerous due to numerous signals that are exchanged by drivers. Traffic congestion and different sized vehicles add to the problem.

• In blind areas such as bends in roads, corners, near junctions, crossroads, and intersections.

• In blind spot areas such as sharp curves or bends in the route, except where the road is wide enough to allow safe overtaking

• Where the vehicle in front is slowing down when approaching a hill or a blind rise

• If overtaking can create a danger to any oncoming traffic or the vehicle that is being overtaken 

• Do not begin an overtaking manoeuvre near to the exit that you need to take.

• Gravel roads: Gravel roads have no markings to assist the driver to remind him where it is dangerous to pass and with the dust from the front vehicle it makes the visibility even worse. The road condition is also worse near bends and in hilly areas.

• At level crossings and stop signs: When a driver decided to stop at a level crossing and you decided to overtake at this critical point it is extremely dangerous. When there are too many factors to consider a driver may overlook the fact that there may be a train coming from the other side on the other line.

• Takeoffs and construction work: To overtake other vehicles that are patiently waiting in a queue for their turn and push in at the front is utterly rude. This is one of the major sources of road rage.

Asking the question – Should I overtake?

Any driving movement can be considered with reference to the questions “Is it safe, legal and convenient?” A decision to overtake should start with the question "Do I really need to overtake"?

There is often very little advantage to be gained for the risk taken!

Only after answering “YES” to the following questions should you start to overtake:

• Can I see far enough ahead to be sure it is safe?

• Can I overtake without affecting any other vehicles' position or speed?

• Am I able to pull back to my own side of the road in plenty of time after completing the manoeuvre?

• Can I abandon the overtaking manoeuvre if another hazard comes into view?

• Will I come into conflict with any other road user?

• Will I end up making the third line of vehicles abreast at any point during the manoeuvre?

• Will it be legal to overtake here?