Defensive Driving - Overtaking

Overtaking is hazardous because it may bring you into the path of other vehicles. It is a complex manoeuvre because you need to consider a number of subsidiary hazards as well as the primary hazard presented by the vehicle(s) to be overtaken. When considering whether to overtake, according to Roadcraft: Police and Advanced Driver Training Handbook, UK, always follow these seven safety advice: - Do not overtake where you cannot see far enough ahead to be sure it is safe. - Avoid causing other vehicles (overtaken, following or approaching) to alter course or speed. - Always be able to move back to the right-hand lane in plenty of time. - Always be ready to abandon overtaking if a new hazard comes into view. - Do not overtake in situations where you might come into conflict with other road users. - Avoid making a third line of moving vehicles wherever possible. - Never overtake on the nearside on dual carriageways except in slow-moving queues of traffic when left-hand lane queues are moving more slowly. In order to overtake safely, drivers need to adopt a three-stage approach: Firstly, the following position - your main task in the following position is to observe and assess the road and traffic conditions for an opportunity to overtake safely. Observe what is happening in the far distance, the middle ground, the immediate foreground and behind. Secondly, the overtaking position - the overtaking position is closer than the following position and minimises the distance you have to travel to overtake. It can also indicate to the driver in front that you wish to overtake. And lastly, overtaking, using your system of car control of information, position, speed, gear and acceleration. When planning to overtake, consider the layout of the road ahead carefully. Look for nearside obstructions or junctions out of which vehicles or other hazards could emerge and cause the vehicle(s) you intend to overtake suddenly to veer to the offside. Using the offside (left-hand lane), look carefully for junctions, especially where they could conceal emerging vehicles or other hazards. Bends, brow of hills, and any other aspect of road layout which could obscure your view must be taken into account before attempting to overtake. When considering overtaking in a stream of vehicles, it may be an advantage to position your vehicle on the offside section of the road (near the centre line of the road), but be aware of the dangers of this position. An offside position can improve your viewpoint because it is not obstructed by the vehicle in front, but this depends on the road layout. Driving defensively also entails assisting others to overtake, which eases tensions and improves the quality of driving for everyone on the road. If other drivers wish to overtake you, assist them, which means you should be alert to the intentions of drivers behind you, using your mirrors and assessing whether they wish to overtake or not; and allow enough distance between you and the vehicle in front for the overtaking vehicle to enter the safe gap in front of you.

In conclusion, 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.