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Overtaking safely on Indian roads |
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Overtaking is perhaps one of the simplest and yet one of the most dangerous
maneuvers that one can perform on the road. It demands a clear knowledge of
what is ahead, and what is behind your vehicle. It requires correct application
of mind over machine so that the man remains in control of the situation and
there is no cause for concern.
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In simple terms, overtaking means to move ahead of
another vehicle, which is moving in the same direction. If all the vehicles
moved at the same speed there would be no scope or need for overtaking. However
this is not so. Moreover, the mixed traffic on our roads would make it
impossible. Thus it becomes necessary for fast moving vehicles to overtake
slower moving ones.
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Overtaking involves anticipation, judgment of speed and distance, and the
judicious use of various accessories in the vehicle, like rear view mirror,
side view mirror, gear, steering and accelerator in what can be called a split
second exercise.
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In our country, overtaking is allowed from right side
only. However, in case a vehicle intends to turn right and indicates as such,
it can be overtaken from the left. On a two-way 3-lane road, the middle lane is
the overtaking lane. Vehicles from both the directions can overtake using the
middle, as such extreme caution needs to be exercised in this case. |
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Before one embarks on the maneuver of overtaking the
vehicle ahead, he should evaluate the hazards that could exist and threaten him
and his vehicle. Also, the driver must be certain that everyone involved is
able to see him. Therefore overtaking in blind areas is best avoided.
Especially is areas such as bends, approach to a corner, near junctions and
intersections and cross roads.
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It is wrong to overtake near pedestrian crossings,
narrow roads, when you are being overtaken and if you have to cross the middle
yellow line to overtake. The driver should confirm visually, an adequate gap in
front of the vehicle to be overtaken so that the vehicle may easily merge in
the traffic flow. However, do not cut in the lane soon after you have overtaken
a vehicle. Allow sufficient gap behind your vehicle for smooth merging. |
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Once you are sure that there is no hazardous situation
ahead and adequate gap exists for you to overtake, sound horn or flick lights
to alert the driver ahead. Also make sure that someone behind you is not trying
to overtake you. Once you are sure that no dangers are lurking around and
overtaking is going to be smooth and proper, accelerate and overtake quickly.
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However, do bear in mind that you should not start
accelerating before you move out for overtaking, because acceleration drives
the car straight ahead and this pushes your vehicle closer to the vehicle ahead
thus reducing the maximum distance required to overtake. Also, over speeding
while overtaking should be avoided. |
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Keeping the speed limits in view it becomes imperative for a 2-wheeler or a
transport vehicle to allow a LMV to overtake when all other conditions are
favourable.
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Overtaking can be quite a safe procedure provided you
know what to do and how to do it properly. Overtaking on dual carriageways,
with divider in the middle is much easier. Another very important aspect of
safe overtaking is that one should not treat it as a personal challenge. Some
drivers take it as a personal affront if a particular vehicle remains ahead of
them for a considerable period. They won't let up till they have overtaken the
vehicle, whatever the risks. We should not try to prove that "me and my vehicle
is an unbeatable combination". |
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Overtaking on the busy and crowed roads of our cities
can be unproductive due to the numerous traffic lights, overcrowding ahead and
a variety of vehicles on small narrowing roads. It is advisable to avoid
overtaking, to save one self from a lot of stress, while driving on the city
roads. |
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A last point of caution. While being overtaken, let the
other driver pass, by slowing down. Let the vehicle overtaking, get back in the
line in front of you. Safe overtaking procedures can prevent many major
accidents, which happen on our roads. Follow the principles of safe overtaking
while on the road.
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