What should be paid attention to during the overtaking process while driving?
3 Answers
Overtaking precautions: Before overtaking, observe whether there are following vehicles in the overtaking lane through the interior rearview mirror and the left and right side mirrors; always pay attention to whether the vehicle in front has the intention to overtake; accelerate by manipulating the engine traction resistance, honk the horn more, carefully observe, increase the lateral distance from the parked vehicle, and be prepared for emergency parking. While driving, once you find that a following vehicle has sent an overtaking signal, you should decide whether to slow down and give way according to the road and traffic conditions. If conditions permit, on the premise of ensuring your own safety, you should actively slow down and drive to the right to let the following vehicle overtake; you should not deliberately refuse to give way or give way without slowing down, or even deliberately accelerate when being overtaken. Situations where overtaking is not allowed: When the overtaken vehicle signals a left turn or U-turn, overtaking is not allowed; when there is an oncoming vehicle during the overtaking process, overtaking is not allowed. You must not overtake a vehicle that is already overtaking; when passing through intersections, crosswalks, flooded roads, or submerged bridges, overtaking is not allowed. Overtaking should be done from the left. In regions where driving is on the right, the overtaking lane is the left lane. In regions where driving is on the left, the overtaking lane is the right lane. According to regulations: overtaking from the right while driving a motor vehicle will result in 3 penalty points and a fine.
Having driven for decades, I always prioritize safety when overtaking. Before overtaking, I conduct a thorough observation: first checking the rearview mirror to assess the following traffic, then turning my head to inspect blind spots, ensuring no vehicles or pedestrians are in the way. I then signal with the turn indicator to alert other drivers. When accelerating to overtake, I ensure there's sufficient space, typically choosing straight road sections and avoiding curves or hilltops where visibility is poor. During overtaking, I maintain a steady speed, avoiding sudden braking or sharp turns. After completing the maneuver, I promptly straighten the vehicle and turn off the signal. Especially in rain or at night, when overtaking risks are higher, I reduce speed further and use lights appropriately. If there's a large truck ahead, I'm even more cautious due to its larger blind spots and longer acceleration time. In short, patiently waiting for the right opportunity is far better than forcing an overtake—after all, it's too late once an accident happens. I've seen too many accidents caused by hasty overtaking.
As a novice driver, I still feel a bit nervous when overtaking, but I've learned quite a few tricks. I always start with the details: frequently scanning the rearview mirror and blind spots while driving to ensure no vehicles are rapidly approaching from behind. When the opportunity arises, I decisively signal with my turn indicators to make my intentions clear to both the cars ahead and behind. Then, I gently press the accelerator to speed up within the speed limit, avoiding sudden surges to prevent loss of control. During the overtaking process, I keep a close eye on the distance to the vehicle in front, maintaining at least two car lengths of space. After completing the maneuver, I quickly return to my original lane and turn off the signal to confirm. I'm particularly careful not to force overtaking in heavy traffic, as it can easily lead to scrapes or anger other drivers. Through practice, I've realized that weather has a significant impact—rain increases braking distance, so more buffer space is needed when overtaking. I recommend practicing simulations frequently, as practice makes perfect.
