What should be paid attention to during the process of overtaking while driving?
3 Answers
When overtaking with a motor vehicle, pay attention to slowing down and honking; obstacles on the left side of the road or the lateral spacing. Observe the surroundings and be prepared for emergency braking: Stay alert, maintain a larger lateral spacing, and always be ready for emergency braking to prevent collisions caused by the vehicle suddenly starting and entering the lane, or the driver suddenly opening the door and getting out. Especially when overtaking a bus parked at a station, extra attention should be paid to pedestrians suddenly crossing the road from behind the parked vehicle. If obstacles are found on the left side of the road or the lateral spacing is too small, making a side collision possible: Avoid using emergency braking to prevent side-slip collisions due to road camber. Hold the steering wheel steady without turning it left or right, increase the distance appropriately in the shortest time, and then look for an opportunity to overtake. Never take the risk of forcing an overtake.
As an experienced driver with many years behind the wheel, I've witnessed numerous overtaking accidents. Before overtaking, you must first check if there are any vehicles approaching at high speed from behind, especially on highways. Scan both the side mirrors and rearview mirror to confirm a safe distance of at least 100 meters. Then activate the left turn signal - don't underestimate this action, as it alerts following vehicles of your intention. When overtaking, accelerate smoothly without sudden throttle inputs that could cause loss of control. After completing the maneuver, signal again before returning to your lane, ensuring at least 50 meters of clearance. Remember: never overtake across solid continuous lines; in poor weather conditions like heavy rain or fog, just be patient as limited visibility creates excessive risk. Maintain calm composure throughout the entire process - no rushing, safety comes first.
Since I started learning to drive, I've been practicing overtaking. The most common mistake beginners make is changing lanes too hastily. The first step is to accelerate and approach the car in front, but maintain a distance of at least 50 meters to leave a buffer space. Check the rearview mirror to see if any vehicle is approaching quickly from behind, and if so, let it pass first. Turn on the indicator for two or three seconds before steering, otherwise others won't have time to react. Pay attention to blind spots when overtaking—turn your head to glance at the side and rear, as motorcycles or small cars often hide in these areas. Before returning to your original lane, wait until the distance is at least one car length and ensure no vehicle is blocking the way. Be extra cautious with large trucks, as their size can easily lead to misjudgment. After practicing a few times, the nervousness will fade.
