LOW RISK DRIVING

	LOW RISK DRIVING	Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6
	4. DANGER on country roads

32. OVERTAKING - A risky undertaking
Correct overtaking is one of those skills that receive very little practice, whilst learning to drive. Usually the learner driver is the one being overtaken. One mistake in this manoeuvre and a head-on-collision is a real possibility.
Overtaking is dangerous, because you are driving on the wrong side of the road for extended periods. Before deciding to overtake ask yourself three questions.
1. Is it really necessary?
Why try to overtake, when you are about to turn or have nearly arrived at your destination? Cyclists are particularly prone to being overtaken, then being cut off by motorists, who are turning left.

How often do we catch up with a driver, who only moments earlier took a great risk to overtake us?

2. Is it legal?

It is not legal to overtake...
...if you have to break the speed limit to do so!
...if you have to cross barrier lines (double centre lines).
...over an unbroken line or when the unbroken line is on your side.
...if a sign says: 'No overtaking' (usually at road works).

3. Is it safe?

Ask yourself:

How far can you see ahead?
Are there blind entry points, e.g. intersections, T-junctions, driveways?)
Any other hazards ahead, eg. School or pedestrian crossings traffic lights, traffic islands etc?
Any hills ahead? (Uphills your car may lose speed suddenly)
Is there enough space to cross safely back to your side?

NEVER overtake...

...behind another vehicle that is overtaking ahead of you.

...without checking if someone is already overtaking you.

...without giving the vehicle ahead first option to move out.

...unless you intend to travel faster than the vehicle ahead.

If there is any doubt in your mind
Holding back is safer!

Expect the unexpected.

When the van first decided to overtake the road looked clear ahead.

Suddenly the vehicle appeared from a driveway behind the building.

Expect traffic from side roads, driveways, around bends or over crests.

How to overtake:
1. Check mirrors and blindspot, if somebody is overtaking you.
2. When safe, Indicate right and move out without any great acceleration. In the example above, the van can change his mind and slip back behind the truck. Under sharp acceleration, this is not easily possible.
3. When an uninterrupted view is obtained and it is safe to overtake accelerate briskly.
4. Indicate left and move back to your side gradually. Normally, when the front of the vehicle you just overtook appears in your rear-view mirror, move back over. This allows for a safety margin.

Careless OVER-TAKERS have a date with the undertaker

Your safety is

DRIVING PLUS

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Disclaimer: Above information is for Australian learner drivers. Regulations could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents, failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend to use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.