Be cautious when passing stopped or slow-moving
vehicles. They often hide dangers that are not immediately
apparent. The first thing to ask yourself is why? Why is the
vehicle moving slowly, or why is it stopped? This rule is
about patience, courtesy and taking care for others.
Stopped vehicles may have people around them
who are preoccupied -- perhaps changing a tire, working
under the hood, or even working under the vehicle with their
legs stuck out into the road. It's not uncommon for someone
stranded beside the road to forget where they are and be struck
and killed by a passing vehicle when they inadvertently step
into the roadway. If you see a vehicle stopped along the roadway,
give them extra room. Change lanes if you can. If you cannot,
at least move left in the roadway so if someone does get in
the way, they will be easier to miss.
In the same way, if you come up behind a vehicle stopped in
the roadway (instead of beside it), be wary. Instead of automatically
going around them, slow down (or stop), and figure out why
they're stopped. Maybe an animal or a child is crossing in
front of them. This is also a concern at a crosswalk; it is
often against the law to pass a car going your way that is
stopped at a crosswalk (even if you are in an adjacent lane),
because that vehicle may be stopped for a reason that you
cannot immediately see! Don't pass until you are SURE it is
safe.
Use caution when approaching a slow-moving
vehicle. It creates danger when vehicles are moving at
different speeds in close proximity to each other. If you
are flying up behind another vehicle, the risk of a collision
is increased if a conflict develops, plus another driver moving
at a very slow speed should cause you to think that something
might be wrong, so you could expect other erratic behavior
as well. Be prepared to react and slow down until you see
that it is safe to go around.
Exercise care if you are coming up behind
a line of slower vehicles. It is an error to take an immediate
opportunity (if presented) to pass the entire line. Some of
those drivers may have been in that line for awhile and they
may be getting impatient. They may "bop" out in
front of you, so plan for that possibility. Again, slow down.
If you are determined
to pass, do so safely by passing them one at a time --
and let them know you are coming around by a quick "toot"
on your horn or flashing your headlights quickly. It increases
your safety if they know your intentions. This same rule applies
if the slow vehicles are in a lane beside yours -- you should
remain alert to the possibility that any one of them might
suddenly change into your lane, and be prepared to avoid a
collision if they do.
Keep it between the fenceposts!
<Rule
35: Never Play Chicken with a Train!
Rule 37: Practice Animal Avoidance!>
