What are the techniques for novice drivers when encountering oncoming traffic?
3 Answers
Techniques for novice drivers when encountering oncoming traffic include: 1. Observe the model, speed, and load of the oncoming vehicle, the width and condition of the road ahead, the presence of pedestrians and vehicles on the roadside, parked cars, and obstacles, etc.; 2. Estimate the approximate position and road occupation of both vehicles during the encounter through observation and comparison, leaving an appropriate lateral safety gap; 3. Reduce speed when encountering oncoming traffic, and if conditions are poor as the encounter approaches, further control the speed to avoid blind encounters. If necessary, stop first to ensure a smooth encounter. Things to note when encountering oncoming traffic: 1. Try to avoid encounters on bridges, tunnels, culverts, sharp turns, etc. Even if road conditions and traffic conditions permit, proceed at low speed to prevent traffic accidents; 2. When driving on roads without a center line, if an oncoming vehicle overtakes at close range, slow down and keep to the right, preparing to stop at any time. If the other vehicle forcibly occupies the lane, try to yield the lane or even stop to give way.
I've thought a lot about oncoming traffic situations. When I first started driving, my legs would go weak. Later I realized the key is to ease off the throttle and slow down about 300 meters in advance. Don't just focus on the front of the opposite car - use peripheral vision to scan the roadside lines and maintain lane centering. The worst during night driving is encountering high beam offenders - once I was nearly blinded and almost hit a tree. Now I've learned: switch to low beams when about 100 meters apart. If the other driver doesn't dim, slow down and move aside, or stop completely if necessary. On narrow roads, anticipate the width - keep your right wheels just inside the white line, leaving at least a fist's width between your left mirror and the opposing vehicle. Extra caution is needed in rain when tires may skid - try to stagger positions when passing. Don't rely too much on distance alerts; it's more reliable to visually confirm road references yourself.
When I first got my license, I was most afraid of meeting oncoming cars on narrow roads, but now I've figured out some tricks. Brake gently when slowing down—don't stomp on the pedal and startle the car behind you. Adjust your mirrors properly—my trick is to position the horizon at the top third of the mirror, which gives you a clear view of the rear wheels. When passing another car, make small steering adjustments rather than big turns, and keep a light grip on the wheel with your fingertips for finer control. Switch your lights early, and even during the day, turn on your width markers. The most practical way to practice is to use a bicycle as a training partner—start by passing in a 10-meter-wide open space, then gradually narrow it down to 3 meters. Also, remember to watch the rear wheels of oncoming trucks—if they're not turning, the driver isn't steering.
