Is the Left-Side Overtaking Always Fully at Fault?
2 Answers
Left-side overtaking is not necessarily fully at fault. The traffic law clearly states that overtaking from the right side is a violation, and vehicles are strictly prohibited from overtaking on the right. Drivers who overtake from the right will be penalized with 3 demerit points and a fine, but this does not mean that left-side overtaking is entirely reasonable or legal. Here are six situations where left-side overtaking is fully at fault: 1. Oncoming traffic: Overtaking when there is a possibility of encountering oncoming traffic, resulting in an accident, is fully at fault. 2. Right side: Overtaking from the right when there is no lane on the right, resulting in an accident, is fully at fault. 3. Overtaking a vehicle that is already overtaking: Overtaking a vehicle that is in the process of overtaking, resulting in an accident, is fully at fault. 4. U-turn: Overtaking a vehicle that is making a U-turn, resulting in an accident, is fully at fault. 5. Left turn: Overtaking a vehicle that is making a left turn, resulting in an accident, is fully at fault. 6. Intersections: Overtaking at intersections, bridges, curves, steep slopes, or tunnels, resulting in an accident, is fully at fault.
I have extensive driving experience and often discuss safe driving with friends. In road regulations, overtaking from the left is a normal maneuver, but it is by no means always the full responsibility in every situation. It entirely depends on the circumstances: Did you signal correctly? Was the road clear and open? Was your speed reasonable? If you didn’t check blind spots, confirm a safe distance, or attempted overtaking on a curve or uphill where it’s unsafe, you could bear full responsibility even if overtaking from the left. Conversely, if the other vehicle suddenly changed lanes or failed to signal, they might share or bear full liability. I’ve seen similar accidents—traffic police always examine both parties’ actions. Overtaking is no trivial matter; patience and vigilance are key, especially at night or in rain or snow when mistakes are more likely. New drivers tend to be impatient, so remind them to always check mirrors to ensure no vehicle is approaching from behind before overtaking.
