Drivers Education 101 says, when driving in traffic and passing other vehicles, always do so on the left…unless you’re in England, in which case you probably would be taking a cab home anyway, or the Tube since you’ve drank yourself silly. And don’t forget to signal before changing lanes to pass that other vehicle, for heaven’s sake! You don’t need someone merging in at the same time because they couldn’t read your mind and you certainly don’t need a ticket either.
And, just so you know, the left lane is for passing only, not passing out. You’re just supposed to pass other cars in that lane, it’s not just a lane to hang out in. You can get a ticket for impeding traffic if you do, as it ranks right on up there at the top of the road rage list. And you can also get a ticket for speeding in the passing lane. How ironic that most people refer to it as the fast lane.
If you are on a two-lane road, check the dotted line. Make sure you have a dotted lane line on your side of the road. This means it’s safe for you to pass. Also, look for a “Pass With Care” sign. Solid yellow lines indicate that passing is not allowed. In this case, look for a “Do Not Pass” sign. And, when passing other vehicles in daylight, it is safe to return to the right lane or to your own lane, if a two-lane road, when you can see their two front tires in your rear view mirror. At night, it’s when you see their full headlights in your rear view mirror.
Always check your blind spots before changing lanes to begin passing other vehicles. Not everyone uses their signals, you know. And, in many states, when approaching a car on a two-lane road, and that car is turning left, if the shoulder is paved, you may pass them on the right shoulder. But only if the shoulder is paved.
Until next week……..
Daun Thompson
Comedienne / Writer / Artist
Passing other vehicles