Overtaking from the Left or Right?
3 Answers
Overtaking should be done from the left side. Below are the precautions for overtaking: 1. Avoid Forced Overtaking: If the vehicle ahead does not yield speed or space due to certain reasons, do not force an overtake. When there is insufficient safe distance ahead of the vehicle in front, do not squeeze in or force the overtaken vehicle to yield. 2. Maintain a Smooth Overtaking Path: Before overtaking, move into the left lane (or overtaking lane) in advance. After overtaking, delay returning to the right lane to keep the driving path basically parallel with the vehicle ahead. 3. Maintain Safe Distance: Always pay attention to maintaining a safe distance from the overtaken vehicle before, during, and after overtaking.
As a seasoned driver, I firmly believe that overtaking must always be done from the left side—it's a fundamental traffic rule. The right side often has shoulders or parking areas with more blind spots and higher risks. Overtaking from the left provides better visibility and higher safety, as the driver's seat is on the left for optimal observation. I recall an incident on the highway where someone overtaking from the right nearly caused a collision—thankfully, timely braking prevented disaster. Make it a habit: signal first, check mirrors, confirm a safe distance, then accelerate to overtake. New drivers often make the mistake of overtaking from the right, which can have dire consequences. I recommend taking defensive driving courses to reinforce this principle. Driving isn't just about skill—it's a matter of responsibility.
When I first started learning to drive, my instructor always emphasized that overtaking should only be done from the left side, and never from the right. Why? The right lane often has large vehicles or slow-moving cars, which can obstruct your view, and there's also a risk of running over debris and getting a flat tire. A friend of mine once tried overtaking from the right and got caught by a traffic camera, resulting in points deducted and a hefty fine—a painful lesson. Whether driving in the city or on the highway, I always maintain a steady speed, check blind spots before overtaking, and make sure no bicycles or pedestrians suddenly appear. Safety comes first—these details can save lives. Remember, rules are there to prevent accidents.
