Question

Difficulty: MediumPassing, Overtaking, and Lane Changing Rules

A driver traveling on a two-lane, two-way highway intends to pass a slower vehicle ahead. Arrange the following actions in the correct sequential order from first to last to complete the passing maneuver safely and legally.

  1. 1Check ahead to ensure passing is permitted by road markings and that the oncoming lane is clear of approaching traffic for a sufficient distance.
  2. 2Activate the left turn signal and perform mirror and shoulder (blind spot) checks to verify no vehicle is passing from behind.
  3. 3Steer into the passing lane, accelerate past the slower vehicle without exceeding the posted speed limit, and signal a right turn.
  4. 4Check the inside rearview mirror until both headlights of the passed vehicle are clearly visible before steering back into the right lane.

Answer

The correct sequence is: 1) Check road markings and oncoming traffic, 2) Signal left and check mirrors and blind spots, 3) Move into passing lane, overtake vehicle, and signal right, 4) Check rearview mirror for passed vehicle's headlights before returning to the right lane.
The correct sequence begins by evaluating forward roadway safety and legal pavement markings. Next, the driver signals left and performs mirror and blind spot checks to ensure traffic behind is clear. The driver then moves into the left passing lane, completes the pass legally without speeding, and signals right. Finally, after confirming sufficient separation distance by seeing both headlights of the passed vehicle in the inside rearview mirror, the driver returns smoothly to the right lane.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess forward road conditions and pavement markings
Verified that passing is legal (e.g., broken yellow line) and that the oncoming lane is free of approaching vehicles.
Passing cannot be safely or legally initiated without clear sight distance and proper road markings.
2
Signal left turn and verify clear rear space
Turned on the left directional indicator and checked rearview mirror, side mirror, and left blind spot.
Communicates intention to surrounding drivers and ensures no vehicle behind is already overtaking.
3
Execute the overtake maneuver
Steered into the left lane, accelerated past the slower vehicle within legal speed limits, and activated the right turn signal.
Completes the pass efficiently and alerts traffic of the return merge.
4
Confirm safe clearance and return to the lane
Observed both headlights of the overtaken vehicle in the inside rearview mirror before steering back into the right lane.
Guarantees a safe distance cushion so the passed vehicle is not cut off.

Key Concept

Safe Passing Procedure on Two-Lane Roads
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