Passing, Blind Spots, and Making Turns Lesson π
Passing
1. When is it legal to pass on a two-lane road? π¦
- Answer: When there is a broken yellow line on your side of the road. β
- Explanation: A broken yellow line indicates that you are allowed to pass when it is safe. However, solid yellow lines or signs like “No Passing Zone” mean you should not pass. π«
Example: Passing a slow-moving truck on a two-lane road with a broken yellow line. πβ‘οΈ
2. What should you do before passing another vehicle? π
- Answer: Always check your mirrors and blind spots for oncoming traffic. π
- Explanation: Before passing, ensure no other vehicles are approaching, especially from behind or in the adjacent lane. This ensures your safety during the maneuver. β οΈ
Example: Using your side and rearview mirrors to check for vehicles approaching from behind before you pass. ππ
3. When is passing prohibited? π«
- Answer: Passing is prohibited in a school zone during restricted hours. π«
- Explanation: To ensure the safety of pedestrians and children, itβs illegal to pass in school zones during specific times. π
Example: Not passing in a school zone when children are present, particularly during school hours. πΆ
4. What does a solid yellow line on your side of the road mean? π·
- Answer: Passing is prohibited. π«
- Explanation: A solid yellow line indicates you should not pass, as the road may have limited visibility or other safety concerns. ππ¨
Example: Waiting for a safer spot to pass when youβre approaching a curve with a solid yellow line. β°οΈ
5. How do you know when it’s safe to return to your lane after passing? π
- Answer: When you can see the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror. ποΈ
- Explanation: Ensure the vehicle you passed is visible behind you before returning to your lane. This prevents cutting off the other driver. ππ
Example: Checking your rearview mirror after passing another vehicle to see it safely behind you before merging. π
6. What should you do if another vehicle is attempting to pass you? ππ¨
- Answer: Maintain your speed and stay in your lane. πΆββοΈ
- Explanation: Allow the other vehicle to pass by staying steady in your lane and not speeding up, which could make the passing unsafe. π
Example: Driving steadily while another car overtakes you on a two-lane road. πβ‘οΈ
7. When is it legal to pass on the right? β¬ οΈ
- Answer: When driving on a one-way street with two or more lanes. π£οΈ
- Explanation: Passing on the right is allowed on a one-way street with multiple lanes, where it is safe to move around slower vehicles. πβ‘οΈ
Example: Passing a slower vehicle on the right when driving on a multi-lane one-way street. π
Blind Spots and How to Avoid Them π΅οΈββοΈ
1. What are blind spots? π
- Answer: Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that you cannot see in your mirrors. π²
- Explanation: These areas are typically located just outside of your side mirrors. They are dangerous because vehicles in these areas can be hard to spot, increasing the risk of accidents. β οΈ
Example: A car might be in your blind spot, and you wonβt see it when youβre trying to change lanes. πβ
2. How can you check your blind spots? π
- Answer: Always look over your shoulder before changing lanes or merging. πβ‘οΈ
- Explanation: Even though youβve checked your mirrors, your blind spots may still hide vehicles. Looking over your shoulder allows you to spot any vehicles hiding there. πββοΈ
Example: Before switching lanes on the highway, glance over your shoulder to ensure there are no vehicles in your blind spot. ππ
3. What should you do if youβre being passed by another vehicle in your blind spot? π
- Answer: Maintain your speed and stay in your lane. βοΈ
- Explanation: If another vehicle is passing you and is in your blind spot, don’t try to move into their lane. Keep a steady speed to let them pass safely. ππ
Example: Staying in your lane as a vehicle passes you on the highway, ensuring they have enough space to complete the maneuver. ππ¨
Making Turns and Signaling π
1. What should you do before making a turn? π¨
- Answer: Signal at least 100 feet before the turn. π‘
- Explanation: Always signal your intentions early to give other drivers plenty of time to react. This is especially important when turning into traffic. π¦
Example: Signaling your turn 100 feet before a right-hand turn at an intersection. π
2. When turning, how do you check for pedestrians? πΆββοΈπΆββοΈ
- Answer: Look both ways before turning. π
- Explanation: Pedestrians may be crossing at intersections or pedestrian crosswalks. Always check for pedestrians before making a turn. π
Example: Looking for pedestrians on the crosswalk before making a right turn at a busy intersection. πββοΈβ‘οΈ
3. What should you do when making a left turn at an intersection? β¬ οΈ
- Answer: Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. βοΈ
- Explanation: Always wait for a clear gap in oncoming traffic and ensure there are no pedestrians before completing your left turn. πβΈοΈ
Example: Stopping and waiting for oncoming cars to pass before making a left turn at a busy intersection. ππ
Key Takeaways π
| Key Concept | Important Points |
|---|---|
| Broken Yellow Line | Passing is allowed on your side if it’s safe. β |
| Before Passing | Always check mirrors and blind spots for oncoming traffic. π |
| School Zones | No passing in school zones during restricted hours. π«πΈ |
| Solid Yellow Line | Passing is prohibited on your side. π· |
| Safe to Return to Lane | Return to your lane only when the vehicle you passed is visible in the rearview mirror. ποΈπ |
| When Another Vehicle Passes You | Maintain speed and stay in your lane. πβοΈ |
| Passing on the Right | Allowed on one-way streets with two or more lanes. π£οΈ |
| Blind Spots | Always check blind spots by looking over your shoulder before changing lanes. π |
| Making Turns | Always signal 100 feet before turning and check for pedestrians. ππΆββοΈ |
| Left Turns | Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning left. πβ‘οΈπ |