One thing that has come to my notice, particularly during the couple of months or so, is the number of drivers who overtake when at, or approaching a
junction.
I was disappointed because on three of these occasions the junction was on the right and blind. The view was completely obscured by a high brick wall.
I would say, from the look of them, that these drivers had a lot of driving experience, in all probability on European roads.
It goes to show that drivers who have been driving for a long time need to be reminded, of the threat that other drivers pose to them, but also the dangerous situations they themselves are
causing.
If you think about it there are two main areas of danger in these circumstances.
For example: What do you do when approaching a T junction with the intention of turning left?
Where do you look first?
To the right?
How many times have you seen drivers only look to the right?
I suggest from my experience that if it is clear of traffic from the right drivers fail to look to the left at all.
If they do look, they still continue to travel towards their intended direction of travel.
If you happen to be overtaking and on the wrong side of the road at that time then there is only one outcome, a collision.
Not nice.
The second danger is the car you are overtaking.
Are you sure that the driver really is going to continue straight along the road? Or, might he turn into the junction?
The safest way to carry out the maneuver is to wait until you can see into the junction, and the car you are overtaking has passed the point of no return. In other words it has passed the
junction.
Even if you have a clear view the junction from some distance away, wait until the vehicle to be overtaken has passed the junction.
Overtaking is probably the most dangerous maneuver you will make driving. It should be planned well in advance and be carried out as quickly possible.
It is important that you select a gear with good acceleration so you have good control and can minimize the risks.
Don't rush, but be positive.
Make sure you have plenty of room to move back to your own side of the road on completion of the overtake.
Do not cut back in on overtaken vehicle.
If the overtake can't be done in a controlled and measured manner then don't do it.
Mike Moorby
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