Overtaking

Essential Skills

Overtaking

Overtaking is one of the riskiest manoeuvres on our roads, as it puts you in the direct path of oncoming traffic in a single carriage road. We must bear in mind that overtaking at the wrong place or time can put you on a collision course with oncoming traffic. In the real sense of it, overtaking needs not be dangerous as it seems, as far as you take care and follow the basic rules of overtaking. The secret of safe overtaking is to visualise in advance every detail of what might happen during the overtaking manoeuvre.

Overtaking on a two-lane dual carriageway or an expressway is less dangerous than a single carriageway. You should normally drive in the right-hand lane and use the left-hand lane for overtaking or turning left. At the completion of your overtaking manoeuvre, move back to the right-hand lane when it is safe to do so.

Before deciding to overtake, ask yourself if the benefit is worth the risk. Many people have been killed or injured because of their poor decision to overtake, so always ask yourself if it safe, lawful or necessary to carry out the manoeuvre. You should make sure the road is sufficiently clear ahead; the vehicle behind is not beginning to overtake you; and there is a suitable gap in front of the vehicle you plan to overtake. If you are in doubt whether it is safe or not, don’t overtake. Do not overtake where your view is restricted at bends, or when you are approaching junctions, as vehicles might be emerging. Where there is a dip in a road that could hide an oncoming vehicle, you need to take special care.

Preparing to Overtake

You will need to use the MSPSL or hazard routine several times when overtaking. When you have decided that it is safe to overtake, make sure that the road ahead is clear.  To get a good view of the road ahead, stay well back, and match the speed of the vehicle you want to overtake. Check the mirrors and position so that you can see a long straight stretch of road that is free of oncoming vehicles, obstructions and side roads. The basic routine is as follows:

Mirrors – always assess the speed and position of traffic. Check the rearview or interior and the left hand door mirrors.

Signal – at this stage because we are only preparing to overtake, do not apply signal.

Position – keep well back to allow the vehicle in front to see you as well as keeping a safe following distance.

Speed – keep to the same speed as the vehicle ahead and consider changing down a gear for extra power to help pass briskly when you get the chance.

Look – assess the whole situation – the road condition, the intention of the driver ahead, and any other hazard.

As the situation can change you may need to keep following the above routine until you are sure it is safe to overtake.

When Overtaking

If it appears safe ahead and behind, you may need to change to a lower gear in order to accelerate briskly past the vehicle you are overtaking. Apply the MSPSL or hazard routine again – look in the mirrors to check that it is still safe, and signal to let others know of your intentions. Pull out on a smooth line that will give adequate clearance to the vehicle ahead. Overtake as promptly as you can. Try not to stay in the other driver’s blind area for too long. The basic routine is as follows:

Mirrors – re-assess the situation behind as well as rearview or interior and left-hand door mirrors.  As you are about to overtake have a quick look for any blind spots – just a quick sideways glance.

Signal – always apply a left signal to overtake as it will help drivers behind and the driver you are overtaking.

Manoeuvre – pull out on a smooth line overtaking as quickly as you can.

 After Overtaking

Before moving back to the right-hand lane after overtaking, use the MSPSL or hazard routine again to pull back on to your side as soon as you safely can. Make sure you are clear of the vehicle you are overtaking so that you do not force the driver you have overtaken to slow down. Always make sure that you can see the vehicle you have overtaken in your rear view or centre mirror before moving in. Once in your normal road position, check your mirrors again and make progress. In next week’s article we shall be discussing dual carriageways. For further explanations or clarification on the articles in the Essential Skills of Driving column, consult the author.

Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

Director General, Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA)

**Driver Trainer and Road Safety Consultant

**Email: sdieseruvwe@gmail.com

**Tel: +2348167814928