Driving Safety: Changing Lanes and Passing

Study Notes

Changing Lanes and Passing

Always check side and rearview mirrors before changing lanes.
Use turn signals to communicate lane changes to other drivers.
Perform a shoulder check for blind spots before merging into another lane.
On multi-lane highways, slower drivers should use the right lane.

Rules for Passing

Assess surrounding traffic and signal before attempting to pass another vehicle.
Return to the right lane once you can see the front of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.
Exceeding the speed limit while passing is illegal; complete passes before reaching No Passing zones.
Passing on the right is permissible if the vehicle ahead is signaling for a left turn.
Maintain a safe distance (at least three feet) when passing bicycles or similar vehicles.

Guidelines for Being Passed

Maintain a steady speed or decelerate when another vehicle is passing.

Unsafe and Illegal Passing Situations

Passing is unlawful under several conditions including hills, curves, intersections, or when obstructing paved areas.
Avoid passing when school buses are unloading passengers, unless safely separated by barriers.

Over-Correcting

Over-correcting occurs when sharp steering causes the rear wheels to slide, potentially leading to loss of control.
To regain control after veering off-road, slow down and steer gradually back onto the roadway.

Making a Right Turn

Position in the lane closest to the curb and signal your intent at least three to four seconds (100 feet) before turning.
Check for pedestrians and traffic before making the turn; come to a complete stop at traffic signals and stop signs.

Making a Left Turn

Use the farthest left lane when turning left unless directed otherwise by signs or markings.
Signal before the turn and verify the intersection for pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
Keep front wheels straight until ready to turn to avoid an accident.
Yield to vehicles and pedestrians when making a left turn.

Left Turn Maneuvering

Vehicles should turn, aligning passenger sides beside each other when two cars are turning left toward each other.

Description

Test your knowledge on the essential rules for changing lanes and passing vehicles safely. This quiz covers everything from signaling correctly to the legalities surrounding passing on multi-lane highways. Ensure you're familiar with these guidelines to promote road safety.