Motors and Cars

Overtaking can be one of the most dangerous driving maneuvers, yet the skills it requires are seldom taught.

Choosing an appropriate place to overtake is critical, especially at night. Avoid overtaking in hazards, be patient and do not take unnecessary risks. If you are approaching a town or a dual carriageway for example, overtaking may be pointless.

Early planning, good observation skills and accurate judgment of speed and distance are essential, as is a safe and reliable method. The objective should be to overtake in total safety.

The correct technique can be split into two distinct stages.

Your speed and available performance (know your vehicle). The speed and performance of the ‘target’ vehicle to be overtaken. Think of the consequences if the driver accelerates as you try to pass.

Approaching vehicles and the potential for others, as yet unseen, to come into the decision-making process.

Road conditions and hazards indicates by signs and markings.

Distance available to regain the nearside of the carriageway without causing concern to other road users or forcing them to alter speed or direction.

Can total safety be achieved? If in doubt, the only safe decision is not to overtake.

The second stage is the “overtaking triangle” technique, which maximizes safety for all concerned. Imagine your starting point as the bottom left-hand corner of a long, narrow triangle: one side is the forward path of the target vehicle, the second is your sideways move into the right-hand lane; the third is your path past the target and back into the nearside lane. Here’s how it works:

1. Hang well back from the target vehicle and position yourself to gain maximum forward visibility. The closer you are to the vehicle in front, the less you can see. Include views past the left of the target, as well as the right. A view underneath the vehicle may also be available.

2. Select the appropriate gear for best acceleration and engine response.

3. Check your mirrors and start signaling well before commencing any maneuver.

4. Still hanging back, move a little; to the right-hand side of the carriageway for a good look at the road ahead. Do not start accelerating as you pull out: this will leave you alongside the target with nowhere to go if anything unexpected happens.

5. Holding your position in the right-hand lane, confirm that conditions are acceptable before committing yourself with acceleration. Ensure that your view is clear, that there are no potential hazards ahead and that there is adequate space to complete the overtake safely; do not overtake into closing gap. If in doubt, you can return safely to the nearside lane and go back to stage one.

6. Overtake as quickly as possible, taking into account the road surface condition and vehicle performance. Gear changing is to be avoided during the maneuver: both hands should be on the steering wheel in case unexpected action is necessary, and you don’t want to risk a fumbled gear change. Don’t accelerate for too long; as soon as you have the momentum to carry you safely past the target, consider your speed in relation to the next hazard you will encounter.

7. Never cut in after overtaking as this can seem aggressive and may cause confrontation. Instead, return smoothly to the nearside and give the driver a friendly wave of thanks for his co-operation.

8. Motto: if in doubt, do not overtake.

Take care and stay safe.