“How to Pass on a Two-Lane Road”

While driving you may come across a driver who is going slower than you wish to drive on a two-lane road. On the highway or multiple-lane roads, the process would be as outlined in “Highway Driving for New Drivers: Changing Lanes” from March 24th. Checking if the passing lane is clear, signaling, safely, and smoothly changing lanes into the passing lane, and then re-entering the right lane when comfortably past the vehicle. On a two-lane road, this maneuver can become more difficult. In this week's blog, we will cover how to pass on a two-lane road safely. 

Step 1: Determine if passing is the correct decision. Driving in the oncoming traffic lane for extended amounts of time can be dangerous. It is important to note that it is illegal to speed when you are driving regardless if you are passing or not, so keep this in mind if you wish to pass a vehicle in front of you. If you deem that the road conditions are safe and that it would be in your best interest to pass the vehicle in front of you, proceed with the following steps. 

Step 2: Judge speed and distance. When approaching the vehicle in front of you judge your speed and the vehicles in front of you to determine roughly the time it would take to pass them. You can practice this when passing on multiple-lane roads to understand the time it takes to overtake someone. Also, the vehicle from the oncoming traffic will be coming towards you which will reduce the amount of space available to pass. 

Step 3: Pass in the proper area. Only in certain areas of the road is it legal to pass. When there is a single dashed yellow line or a solid line with the dashed line nearest to your vehicle, it is legal to make a pass. If there are two solid yellow lines or a single solid line nearest to your vehicle it is illegal to pass. The passing areas are often also indicated with “Pass with Care” road signs. The reason there could be a no-passing zone is limited distance visibility due to curves or hills, or there may be an upcoming intersection. 

Step 4: Make the pass. When the coast is clear and you are committed to a pass, begin the passing procedure. Acknowledge the time and distance you have to pass. Check your mirrors for individuals who may be passing you. Indicate into the other lane. Continue with your speed to make the pass. Once clear of the other vehicle, indicate and return to the right side of the road. Do not pass more than one vehicle at a time. 

Step 5: Practice. This maneuver is often scary and can be very dangerous. The timing aspect of this maneuver can be difficult for people to master. Practicing at slower speeds and with normal passing lanes is recommended. Treat the passing lane as the oncoming traffic. Pick out cars in oncoming traffic to judge distance as they come toward you. Make passes like you would on a two-lane road, but if you misjudge distance the threat of a head-on collision is adverted. 

Passing on a two-lane road can be dangerous and should be done with caution. Passing should only be done when conditions are safe and within passing areas. This blog should help you safely complete a pass on a two-lane road. If you have questions or would like to practice with a trained professional leave a comment down below or contact the Drivers Edge School of Driving main office at Phone (815) 547-1770.