Question

Difficulty: HardPassing, Overtaking, and Lane Changing Rules

A motorist driving on a two-lane rural highway intends to overtake a slow-moving vehicle ahead. Arrange the following steps in the correct chronological sequence required to safely and legally execute the complete passing maneuver.

  1. 1Check ahead for a dashed yellow line and ensure sufficient clear distance from oncoming traffic.
  2. 2Activate the left turn signal and perform a shoulder check over the left shoulder to verify the blind spot.
  3. 3Steer into the opposing lane and accelerate past the vehicle without exceeding the posted speed limit.
  4. 4Signal right once both headlights of the passed vehicle are clearly visible in the interior rearview mirror.
  5. 5Steer smoothly back into the right lane and cancel the turn signal.

Answer

The correct chronological sequence is: (1) Check ahead for a dashed yellow line and ensure clear distance from oncoming traffic; (2) Activate the left turn signal and perform a shoulder check over the left shoulder; (3) Steer into the opposing lane and accelerate past the vehicle without exceeding the speed limit; (4) Signal right once both headlights of the passed vehicle are clearly visible in the interior rearview mirror; (5) Steer smoothly back into the right lane and cancel the turn signal.
Safe overtaking requires a strict sequence of actions: first evaluating traffic flow and road markings, next signaling and verifying blind spots, then moving into the opposing lane within legal speed boundaries, checking space via the interior mirror before signaling right, and finally steering back into position.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess environment and traffic control devices
Confirm passing is legally permitted by pavement markings (broken yellow line) and physically safe from oncoming vehicles.
Passing cannot begin without clear sight distance and legal authorization.
2
Signal and check blind spots
Warn other drivers and verify no vehicle behind has initiated a pass in your blind spot.
Mirrors alone do not cover blind spots, and signaling alerts surrounding traffic.
3
Execute overtake
Move into the left lane and complete the pass within posted speed limits.
Exceeding the speed limit while passing is illegal on public roadways.
4
Confirm safe separation distance
Observe both headlights of the passed vehicle in the interior rearview mirror, then signal right.
The interior mirror provides accurate depth perception to prevent cutting off the passed vehicle.
5
Return to lane
Re-enter the right lane smoothly and deactivate the signal.
Completes the passing maneuver safely.

Key Concept

Chronological procedure for overtaking safely on two-lane roads
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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