Why should overtaking only be done from the left side?
2 Answers
According to traffic laws, vehicles are required to drive on the right side of the road. Overtaking from the right side increases the risk of collision with adjacent vehicles. Additionally, since the driver's seat is on the left, the left side provides a wider field of vision, making overtaking from the left safer. Moreover, left-side overtaking aligns with common driving habits. Here are some additional details: 1. Reasons why right-side overtaking is dangerous: The primary concern is the blind spot of left-hand drive vehicles. For such vehicles, the driver's right side has a larger blind spot and significantly restricted visibility, making it easy to overlook vehicles in this position. If the overtaken vehicle fails to notice the violating vehicle on the right in time and changes lanes to the right, it can easily collide with the vehicle performing the "right-side overtake." Right-side overtaking is explicitly prohibited by traffic regulations. In the event of an accident, traffic police will investigate whether "right-side overtaking" occurred, and if confirmed, corresponding penalties will be imposed. 2. Overtaking precautions: (1) Stay alert: Before overtaking, always observe the condition of the lane you intend to use and the driving situation of the vehicles ahead of the car you plan to overtake. (2) Downshift and accelerate: To improve throttle response and increase torque for quicker acceleration. For automatic transmission vehicles, press the accelerator pedal fully. For manual transmission vehicles, downshift first and then quickly press the accelerator to accelerate. (3) Be cautious: Avoid continuous lane changes during overtaking. Complete the lane change, accelerate straight, and ensure safety before merging back into the original lane. (4) Slow down for stationary vehicles: When overtaking a stationary vehicle ahead, especially on narrow roads, proceed slowly and be prepared to stop at any time to prevent a collision in case the stationary vehicle suddenly opens its door.
As someone who has been driving for many years, I believe overtaking only from the left is primarily for safety reasons. The driver's seat is usually on the left, providing a better field of vision, allowing you to clearly see the vehicles ahead and road conditions when overtaking, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. Overtaking from the right is much more dangerous, as the right side often has slower vehicles, bicycles, or suddenly appearing pedestrians, with larger blind spots and a higher chance of misunderstandings—like someone turning right while you suddenly accelerate. I’ve had a deep experience with this on the highway—once during rainy weather, I almost collided with traffic exiting an emergency lane while overtaking on the right. Since then, I’ve strictly followed the left-side rule. Road design is structured this way—the overtaking lane is on the left, and everyone following the same rule prevents chaos. Once it becomes a habit, long-distance travel feels safer and more effortless, especially in heavy fog or at night—this rule can truly be a lifesaver.
