1993 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 153

So here are some tips for passing: "Drive ahead." Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time. Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and lines.If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken center line usually indicates it's all right to pass (providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid line on your side of the lane or a double solidline, even if the road seems empty of approaching traflic. If you suspect that the driver of the vehicle you want to pass isn't aware of your presence, tapthe horn a couple of times before passing. Or, you can use flash-to-pass. S e e the I d a under Flash-to-Pass. Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you're awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially ifyou're following a larger vehicle. Also, you won't have adequate spaceif the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. When it looks like chance to pass is a coming up, start to accelerate butstay in the rightlane and don't get too close. Time your moveso you will be increasing speedas the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a "running start" that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass,you drop back need only slow down and again and wait for another opportunity. If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait yourturn. But take care that someone isn't tryingto pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot. 11 5