What lights to use when preparing to overtake?

[DiLaura]

When preparing to overtake, turn on the turn signal in advance and observe the vehicles behind. If the following vehicle is too close, it is not recommended to signal and overtake, as this can easily catch the following vehicle off guard. Additional information is as follows: 1. Overtaking lights: Whether during the day or at night, overtaking is done from the left side. Overtaking from the right is generally not allowed and is very dangerous. When overtaking, turn on the turn signal in advance and observe the vehicles behind. If the following vehicle is too close, it is not recommended to signal and overtake, as this can easily catch the following vehicle off guard. 2. Overtaking precautions: To prevent the vehicle ahead from changing lanes during overtaking, it is essential to alert them by honking or quickly switching between high and low beams. Observe the vehicle ahead; if there is no intention to change lanes, you can then accelerate to overtake.

[VonJoel]

I just got my driver's license not long ago and I'm still not very skilled when it comes to overtaking situations, but my instructor always emphasizes that turning on the left turn signal is the most basic signal operation. You should turn on the turn signal a few seconds before overtaking to let the vehicles in front and behind know your intention, which is especially important on the highway. If you overtake without signaling, it can easily startle others or cause misunderstandings. I once forgot to turn on the signal at night and almost got rear-ended. Since then, I've made it a habit to check the lights in advance. When overtaking, you should also use the rearview mirror to observe the surroundings, ensure a safe distance before changing lanes, and don't rush to accelerate. At night or in heavy fog when visibility is low, you can use high beams to assist but avoid shining them directly at the car in front, otherwise they might misunderstand that you're picking a fight. These small details can greatly reduce accidents.

[CalebRose]

Having driven for decades, I believe the key to preparing for overtaking is using turn signals appropriately to express intentions. On busy roads or highways, activate the left turn signal 3-5 seconds in advance to give other vehicles sufficient reaction time—this signal prevents sudden lane changes that could cause collisions. Especially at night, turning on your signal plus briefly flashing headlights enhances visibility, but avoid using high beams as they may blind drivers ahead and create hazards. Always check blind spots through side windows before overtaking to ensure no scooters or pedestrians are approaching. Exercise extra caution on wet rainy roads—proper lighting helps alert others to your movements and reduces skidding risks. Ultimately, make it a habit; prioritize safety over convenience.

[SanHadley]

When preparing to overtake, the standard practice is to turn on the left turn signal to send a clear message. This complies with traffic regulations to avoid fines or accidents, especially on highways or in congested urban areas where the signal alerts vehicles ahead and behind. For instance, in low-light conditions at night, simply using the turn signal is sufficient—avoid using high beams as they can impair others' vision. Additionally, check the rearview mirror to confirm a safe distance and ensure no vehicles are approaching rapidly from behind. Maintain a steady speed before changing lanes. Some drivers neglect this step, leading to misunderstandings or even minor collisions, which is not worth the risk. A simple one or two-second action can significantly enhance overall safety.