Is Lane Borrowing for Overtaking Fully Liable?
2 Answers
Lane borrowing for overtaking is fully liable. Here are the precautions for lane borrowing overtaking: 1. Be wary of small vehicles behind large trucks: When driving on national highways, it's common to see small cars following large trucks, often eager to overtake. Sometimes, due to impatience, they may attempt to overtake in inappropriate places. In such situations, it's crucial to pay close attention to the area behind large trucks. 2. Curves: Curves have blind spots, making overtaking unquestionably prohibited. However, in reality, some 'skilled drivers' may ignore this and drive recklessly. In such cases, prevention is key. Stay vigilant about oncoming traffic, reduce speed in advance, honk the horn, keep to the right appropriately, and be prepared for others attempting to overtake by borrowing lanes.
Cutting into the opposite lane for overtaking isn't necessarily a full-fault situation. With over 20 years of driving experience, I've learned it all depends on the actual scenario. If you're on a road section where overtaking is permitted, you've signaled properly, confirmed no oncoming traffic before passing, and the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes hard causing a rear-end collision, partial liability might fall on the lead car. However, the most common cases involve reckless lane-cutting—like overtaking in no-passing zones or without proper signals—where you'll almost certainly bear full responsibility. Post-accident, traffic police determine fault based on footage, skid marks, etc., with insurers following up on claims. Safe driving is fundamental: I recommend checking mirrors multiple times before overtaking, reducing speed steadily, and never risking seconds of saved time. Rainy or foggy conditions multiply risks during overtaking—novices should master this maneuver in ideal conditions first. Ultimately, liability isn't predetermined, but traffic violations are the biggest trap.
