Which side to signal when overtaking?
2 Answers
When overtaking, turn on the left turn signal; when returning to the original lane, turn on the right turn signal. Here is relevant information: Precautions: The "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates that overtaking is strictly prohibited in the following situations: at intersections, steep slopes, sharp curves, and other hazardous sections; during adverse weather conditions such as rain or fog; when the vehicle ahead signals a left turn, U-turn, or is overtaking another vehicle; and in areas marked with no-overtaking signs. Downshifting for overtaking: When downshifting to overtake, it is recommended to downshift sequentially rather than skipping gears to minimize the jerking caused by mismatched speed and gear. Additionally, while manually downshifting, lightly pressing the accelerator to increase engine RPM can help reduce the discrepancy between speed and gear.
When overtaking, using the turn signal is to let other drivers know your intended action, which is a basic courtesy and safety measure on the road. During my driving school lessons, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that if you're driving in a right-hand traffic system, such as in mainland China or the United States, overtaking is usually done from the left side, so you should activate the left turn signal. It informs both the vehicles behind and ahead that you intend to change lanes. Never forget to first check the blind spot, look in the rearview mirror for any cars, and wait a few seconds to ensure safety before making your move. If you need to merge back into the original lane after overtaking, you must also use the right turn signal for safety. Some people neglect these details, resulting in rear-end collisions or side swipes, which are extremely dangerous. Beginners might confuse left and right, but practicing with mirrors more often can help avoid mistakes. In short, remember the saying 'signal left to overtake left, safety first to avoid accidents.' Developing good habits can save your life. Additionally, during poor visibility conditions like rain or snow, signaling earlier is even more crucial, and you should slow down. There are countless roads, but safety is the top priority—this is a lesson I've learned from years of driving, shared here just in case.
