How to Overtake

The Decision

On your approach to another vehicle you have to decide either to adjust your speed and follow or overtake at the first opportunity.

Whatever you decide, acceleration sense will assist in the ease and smoothness of the maneuver.

There should be no grey area in your decision to overtake. If you decide to pass, you should me 100 per cent on mark or don’t pass at all!

Overtaking

Assess whether you can approach and overtake in one continuous maneuver or whether you will have to follow for a while and wait for a good opportunity.

Either way, consider the vehicle in front to be an impending hazard in your assessment of risk. As such, consider the phases of motorcycle control (IPSGA) to deal with is safely.

 One Continuous Motion

After identifying only one hazard (the vehicle ahead) and all other conditions are suitable (clear view, adequate space, absence of oncoming traffic, etc.), work through the phases to pass the slower vehicle in one smooth maneuver.

Information Phase

• Observe the road ahead for signs, markings, layout, approaching vehicles, other hazards and any possible obstructed views which could conceal additional hazards. Identify a safe return gap
• Identify a safe return gap
• Observe the position and speed of any vehicles behind you, make sure you know what is in your blind spot
• Judge the relative speeds of your machine and the vehicle to be passed
• Consider a lifesaver (looking over your shoulder) and a signal

Acceleration Phase

• Adjust your speed to return to the identified gap and continue with your journey

Gear Phase

• Select the most responsive gear for the speed

Speed Phase

• Adjust your speed to complete the maneuver within the road space you know to be clear and before any approaching vehicle can cause conflict

Position Phase

• At the appropriate point, take a course to overtake (this should be 4 to 5 car lengths behind the vehicle to be overtaken)

Passing From a Following Position

When the presence of approaching vehicles, obstructed views or some other hazard requires you to follow the vehicle ahead before you can overtake, a three stage approach is necessary:

1. Following position
2. Overtaking position
3. Overtaking

In our next post, we will cover the three stages.

How Not to Overtake