Which side to signal when overtaking?
4 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.
I've always been concerned about traffic safety, and as a frequent driver, I must say the choice of turn signals when overtaking directly affects your life and others'. In most places where driving is on the right, you should use the left turn signal when overtaking—this isn't just a rule, it's crucial to avoid collisions. Imagine suddenly changing lanes to overtake without signaling; the car behind might not react in time, causing an accident. I've seen too many tragic cases of accidents caused by negligence. By the rules, using the left turn signal also allows others to anticipate your actions, reducing uncertainty. Don't forget to check the road conditions before overtaking—if visibility is poor or traffic is dense, it's better not to overtake than to take the risk. The legal penalties are severe, with points deducted and fines imposed if caught. I recommend treating every overtaking maneuver like a routine check: signal first, then accelerate, ensuring everything is safe. Regular maintenance of your car's lighting system is also important—replace broken bulbs immediately to avoid problems. Safety is no small matter; sticking to these habits can protect you and your family, which is the true purpose of driving.
As a young driver, I remember being super nervous during my first overtaking attempt. My instructor just said to turn on the left signal. On regular roads, keep right, signal left to pass, then signal right to merge back. That day when practicing on the highway, I saw a slow-moving car ahead. I signaled left, waited a few seconds before accelerating past—felt much smoother. Then another rookie suddenly cut in without signaling, nearly causing a collision—scary stuff. Since then, I've made it a habit: always check mirrors before overtaking and only proceed when clear. Turn signals are simple yet effective at preventing misunderstandings. I've also noticed they're extra visible when mirrors get blurry after rain, boosting safety. Bottom line: never skip this step—it takes seconds but saves lives. Driving's a game where following rules makes it fun and safe.
