Overtaking on Highways « Better Motorcycling

Overtaking on Highways

05/14/2009 · 2 Comments

When overtaking on highways (limited access) there are additional concerns to be aware of. Be alert for:

slower vehicle moving out in front of you
faster vehicle coming up behind you

The higher speeds of limited access highways make it necessary to take information carefully before making any maneuver.

Scan regularly so that you are continually aware of the pattern of surrounding traffic. You should know which vehicles are closing up on other vehicles in front and which vehicles are moving up behind.

Constantly monitor opportunities to overtake and match your speed of approach to coincide with an opportunity. Make allowances for the additional hazards presented by lane closures and junctions.

Look for early warning of the intention of other road users to overtake. Indications of another driver’s intention to move out are:

relative speeds
head movements
body movements
vehicle movements from the center of the lane

You are likely to see all these before the driver signals (many drivers, if they signal at all, only signal as they start to change lanes).

Beware of hidden vehicles between tractor-trailers. There is always a possibility a vehicle is hidden and is about to pull out into the left passing lane.

Don’t attempt to pass unless you are sure you can see all the vehicles in the center and right lanes well into the gaps between them.

Giving Information

Consdier alerting other drivers to your presence, especially if you are traveling at speed. If you decide a headlight signal would be helpful, give it sufficient time for the other driver to react.

The purpose of a head light warning is to inform other drivers of your presence (also interpreted as your indication to overtake). Be careful your headlight flash is not interpreted as an invitation to other drivers to move out in front of you.

Overtaking Situations to Avoid

You should generally avoid overtaking wehn to do so would create a line of three vehicles traveling abreast because is leaves you no room for a maneuver if a hazard arises.

Categories: Motorcycle Safety · Tips
Tagged: highways, Motorcycle Safety, overtaking

2 responses so far ↓

Gary Blanton // 07/09/2009 at 10:04 am

You have some really good tips on safety. I am a ride educator for my goldwing chapter in terre haute , in. Keep up the good work.
rubenandjoann // 07/09/2009 at 6:28 pm

Thanks for the kind words, remember to pass it forward to those with ears to hear.

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