Page 134 - CARS Standard Program

Passing Other Vehicles
When determining whether to pass another vehicle, you should first ask yourself a most important question: Is it really necessary? Unless you are traveling a great distance, you will probably save yourself no more than five minutes. If you are towing recovered collateral, you must question whether those five minutes are worth the potential danger involved. It has been our experience over the past 30 years that arriving safely with a client’s collateral undamaged is worth the extra minutes. However, there are times when passing is a necessary part of driving. Extra caution should prevail in these situations.
Before attempting to pass, read the road ahead and behind. Make sure you are in a passing zone and that you will remain so for the entire passing procedure. Also, make certain no one is attempting to pass YOU!
When checking behind you, it is most critical that you check your “blind spot” by turning your head slightly to the left. Turn on your left turn signal and pull immediately into the passing lane. When you are well clear of the vehicle you have just passed, check your “blind spot” on the right by turning your head slightly to the right. Turn on your right turn signal and move back into the proper driving lane.
Remember that the passing procedure is one of the most potentially dangerous maneuvers you will attempt in a motor vehicle. The danger increases tenfold when towing another vehicle, so be alert to any potential hazards.
Following Other Vehicles
In a rear-end collision, the driver of the vehicle behind will almost always be cited for following too closely. This is a most common and unnecessary type of collision and there is a very effective formula for avoiding them. It is referred to as the “Two-Second Rule.” The rule contemplates good weather conditions, good road surfaces and a standard- size vehicle. If the Recovery Agent is in his tow truck, with collateral attached, the correct formula, under the same conditions, should be at least a “Four-Second Rule.” Following is an explanation of how to use the formula:
While observing the vehicle in front of you, look for a fixed object, (mileage marker pole, telephone pole, etc.) on your right. As the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes the fixed object, begin counting, one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, one thousand four. As you reach one thousand four, the front of your vehicle should be in line with the fixed object.
If the front of your vehicle passes the fixed object before you reach the one thousand four, Slow Down! If inclement weather conditions are present, or if road conditions are sub-standard, increase your count by at least two seconds. If you are not familiar with these rules, try them. You will reach your destination almost as quickly, but more importantly safely.