Overtaking on a dual carriageway or motorway can feel empowering – but it comes with serious responsibilities.
One of the most common (and dangerous) mistakes drivers make is overtaking a vehicle and then immediately pulling back in front, leaving little or no braking distance. This can cause stress, accidents, or even pile-ups.
Here’s how to overtake safely – and why maintaining a safe distance after overtaking is just as important as checking your mirrors and blind spots.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Overtaking ⚠️
1. Check Your Mirrors and Blind Spots
Always be aware of what’s around you before changing lanes. Use your mirrors, and don’t forget to check your blind spots.
2. Signal Clearly and Early
Let other road users know your intentions. Signal right in good time before moving out to overtake.
3. Accelerate Smoothly and Decisively
Once you’re sure it’s safe, accelerate past the vehicle confidently — but stay within the speed limit.
4. Give Plenty of Space
As you overtake, maintain a safe lateral distance from the vehicle you’re passing. Don’t swerve too close.
5. Don’t Cut Back In Immediately ❌
This is key. Never move back in front of the overtaken vehicle without leaving a safe braking distance. Cutting in too soon can:
- Block the driver’s view.
- Leave them no time to react if you slow down.
- Cause rear-end collisions.
The general rule? Wait until you can see the entire front of the vehicle in your rear-view mirror before pulling back in.
6. Return to the Left Lane Safely
Once you’ve passed and ensured a safe gap, indicate left and merge smoothly. Hogging the overtaking lane is also dangerous and can cause congestion.
Why Braking Distance Matters ⚠️
At 70 mph, your braking distance is around 96 meters (over 20 car lengths!). Leaving only a couple of car lengths is a huge risk — especially if you need to slow down suddenly. The more space, the safer the road for everyone.
Final Tips for Safe Overtaking ⚠️
- Don’t tailgate before overtaking.
- Avoid overtaking near slip roads or sharp bends.
- Be especially cautious in bad weather or low visibility.
- Let faster vehicles overtake you — and don’t speed up if someone is trying to pass.