You are traveling on a two-lane highway behind a slow-moving vehicle and wish to overtake it safely. In what chronological sequence should you execute the following procedural actions from first to last?
- 1Scan ahead for road markings, hill crests, curves, and oncoming traffic to confirm a safe and legal passing zone exists.
- 2Activate the left turn signal, check interior and exterior mirrors, and perform a shoulder check into your left blind spot.
- 3Steer smoothly into the opposing traffic lane and accelerate to complete the pass without exceeding the posted speed limit.
- 4Activate the right turn signal and check your interior rearview mirror until both headlights of the passed vehicle are clearly visible.
- 5Steer smoothly back into the original lane of travel and deactivate your turn signal while maintaining flow speed.
Answer
The correct chronological sequence is: first, scan ahead for passing zones and oncoming traffic; second, signal left and check mirrors and blind spot; third, steer into the passing lane and complete the pass; fourth, signal right and verify both headlights of the passed vehicle are visible in the rearview mirror; fifth, steer back into the lane and cancel the signal.
Safe overtaking requires a strict sequence: initial hazard scan of forward space, signaling and checking rear blind spots, changing lanes to pass, verifying adequate clearance using the inside mirror until both headlights of the passed vehicle appear, and finally re-entering the travel lane.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe Overtaking and Passing Sequence on Two-Lane Highways