The State Automobile Inspectorate is holding a preventive campaign "Oncoming Lane!" from July 19 to 22
From July 19 to 22, 2024, the State Automobile Inspectorate is conducting a preventive campaign on the territory of the republic
"Oncoming Lane!"
Prevention of road traffic accidents due to violations of overtaking rules and entering the oncoming lane.
Recently, there has been an increase in road traffic accidents caused by violations of overtaking rules and entering the oncoming lane where it is prohibited by traffic regulations.
Throughout our lives, we hurry and try by all means to "catch up" with time. Thanks to road transport, we easily cover long distances, thereby saving precious minutes. The desire to be first in everything, including on the road, prompts drivers to maneuver and overtake their fellow travelers. According to the Traffic Regulations, overtaking is defined as the process of passing vehicles by entering the oncoming lane, where extreme situations await us. It can be unequivocally stated that preparation is the key to successful and safe overtaking. Here are a few tips from auto professionals.
How to properly overtake vehicles to arrive faster than others and avoid an emergency situation?
The first "enemy" of a driver during overtaking is an incorrect assessment of the road situation. Before maneuvering, one should analyze the situation comprehensively – the quality of the road surface (presence of puddles, potholes, ruts), weather conditions, and road signs. It is better to start overtaking by moving into the oncoming lane in advance, rather than suddenly "popping out" from behind another vehicle. It is desirable to calculate "escape routes," i.e., the width and surface of the shoulder, and the presence of poles or other obstacles on it. When maneuvering, it is important not only to comply with traffic regulations but also to be prepared for the fact that other road users may violate them at any moment.
What to do if you think you won't be able to complete an overtake? It's important to make a quick decision and stick to it until the maneuver is complete – after all, if you start "floundering" on the road, things will only get worse. Once a decision is made, you must do everything possible to warn other road users of your subsequent actions: turn on the appropriate turn signal, use high beams (but don't flash them – this can be perceived as a signal that you are yielding the right of way), honk. In a situation where the vehicle being overtaken is still in front of you, it's best to return to your lane. Simultaneously, quickly, but without locking the wheels, reduce your speed. If you have already drawn level with the vehicle being overtaken, but a car from the oncoming lane suddenly appears, you should first assess the possibility of continuing the maneuver. If there isn't enough power and engine dynamics for a sharp "burst" forward, it's better to "give up" and return to your lane. But if the speed difference with the overtaken car is significant enough, you can continue the overtake. In this case, you should clearly indicate your position to the oncoming car, and also signal to the car being overtaken: perhaps it will slow down and let you pass. However, you shouldn't rely solely on the help of others. In a critical situation, you can use a technique sometimes called "shock acceleration": quickly shift to a lower gear, press the accelerator to the floor, and sharply release (engage) the clutch. Then, confidently but smoothly, move as far to the right as possible. When overtaking the car, you shouldn't make any sudden movements, but rather smoothly return to your lane. Turning on the high beams will warn the driver of the oncoming car that they should reduce speed and pull over to the shoulder.
If your car is being overtaken, everything depends on the decision of the overtaking driver. If they intend to complete the maneuver, brake; if they intend to abandon it, accelerate. The main thing in this situation is to understand what your fellow driver will do. And if they are unclear about their intentions, it's best to reduce speed and pull over to the shoulder – after all, when the speed is lower, the consequences of an accident will be less severe.
In any case, if the situation is critical, one must avoid a head-on collision by all possible means "until the last moment". Avoiding a head-on collision requires choosing the path of least risk to life – one's own and that of others. Nudging a car in the same direction or swerving to the opposite shoulder, braking hard, or driving into a ditch – such decisions cannot be calculated in advance – everything depends on the specific road conditions. In any case, one must try to maintain control of their vehicle and protect people.
Under no circumstances should one create an emergency situation while trying to teach or punish an overtaking driver. The price of such behavior can be human lives. It can be unequivocally stated that common sense, attentiveness, and mutual respect are the indispensable conditions for safe overtaking.
Dear drivers, remember: "You are expected at home! Do not rush, do not violate the Traffic Regulations. Your behavior on the road affects not only your life but also the lives of your loved ones!"
We remind you that the sanction of Part 9 of Article 18.13 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus provides for a fine ranging from two to ten basic units, with or without deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for up to one year.
Be attentive on the road!!!
Head of the Traffic Police Department
Miory District Department of Internal Affairs A.F. Soveiko