What is the difference between overtaking and changing lanes?
4 Answers
Changing lanes refers to the practice of moving from one lane to another while driving in the same lane as another vehicle, without affecting the normal driving of other vehicles. Overtaking means that a vehicle moves to the side of another vehicle and passes it from behind while traveling in the same direction. Overtaking necessarily involves changing lanes, but changing lanes does not always involve overtaking. Overtaking is a relatively dangerous maneuver that is sometimes unavoidable while driving, whereas changing lanes is comparatively less risky. Precautions for overtaking: 1. Slow down and observe: When passing a parked vehicle, slow down and honk the horn (in areas where honking is not prohibited), stay alert, maintain a large lateral distance, and be prepared to brake suddenly to prevent the parked vehicle from suddenly entering the lane or the driver suddenly opening the door and stepping out. This is especially important when passing a bus stopped at a station, as pedestrians may suddenly appear from behind the bus and cross the road. 2. Do not force overtaking: If you notice obstacles on the left side of the road or if the lateral distance is too small and there is a risk of a side collision, avoid using emergency braking to prevent skidding due to road camber. Instead, hold the steering wheel steady without turning it left or right, create an appropriate distance in the shortest time possible, and then look for another opportunity to overtake. Never attempt to force an overtaking maneuver recklessly.
Overtaking and changing lanes may sound similar, but they're quite different in practice. Changing lanes simply means moving from one lane to an adjacent one, like when you're preparing for a right turn or avoiding a pothole. Overtaking, however, is a complete process: first changing to the left lane to pass the vehicle ahead, then accelerating to overtake it, and finally returning to your original lane. On highways, special attention must be paid to the speed of vehicles approaching from behind during overtaking, as this maneuver involves at least two lane changes and carries higher risks. While lane changes can be made anytime as long as it's safe behind you, overtaking requires ensuring there's sufficient space ahead to complete the entire sequence of actions.
In my daily driving, I've noticed many people can't distinguish between these two maneuvers. Changing lanes is a lateral movement, such as shifting from the middle lane to the right-turn lane to prepare for exiting the ramp; whereas overtaking is the process of passing another vehicle longitudinally. I remember once on a mountain road when a car suddenly appeared from the opposite lane, nearly causing an accident, simply because the driver mistook illegal overtaking for a regular lane change. When overtaking, you must use turn signals, check blind spots, and after passing, check the rearview mirror to ensure a safe distance before merging back. In contrast, regular lane changes don't require these additional steps once completed.
Simply put, changing lanes is 'changing position,' while overtaking is 'passing by.' The former involves turning the steering wheel to switch lanes, possibly to avoid obstacles or make a turn. The latter must complete the three steps of overtaking: changing lanes to accelerate, passing the vehicle ahead, and returning to the original lane. The most typical example is the left passing lane on the highway—after overtaking a slower vehicle, you must promptly return to the middle lane; otherwise, it will affect other vehicles' traffic. Changing lanes can exist independently, but overtaking necessarily includes two lane-changing actions.
