Before overtaking a vehicle as the driver of a light vehicle, the driver should take several safety steps:
- Ensure it is safe to overtake by checking the road ahead is clear for a sufficient distance and that there is no oncoming traffic.
- Check mirrors and blind spots to ensure no other vehicle is overtaking or approaching from behind.
- Signal the intention to overtake early enough to give adequate warning to other road users.
- Position the vehicle closer to the vehicle in front to alert them of the intention to overtake without following too closely.
- Accelerate smoothly without sudden speeding and ensure there is sufficient space to return safely to the original lane after overtaking.
- Leave a safe gap between the overtaking vehicle and the vehicle being overtaken.
- Do not overtake near crests, bends, pedestrian crossings, intersections, or places with restricted visibility or no overtaking signs.
- Avoid overtaking on solid lines or where overtaking is prohibited by road markings and traffic rules.
These steps help ensure a safe and legal overtaking maneuver while minimizing risk to all road users.
