How to Safely Pass Slowpokes on the Road

Your motorcycle is meant to chase adrenaline down the street, but that's pretty hard to do with all the slowpokes on the road! You want to go the full speed limit, but that means you'll need to pass other motorists. Passing can be dangerous, so it's important to ensure you know how to safely pass. The staff here at Barnes Harley-Davidson Kamloops have rounded up our top tips for passing anyone who just isn’t going fast enough.

Why Passing is Dangerous

The biggest problem with passing a vehicle is that it limits where you can go to avoid a crash. You can’t veer into the lane where the car you are passing is. If there is oncoming traffic in the next lane over, you can't veer to that side either. Then there are likely people behind you, so hitting the brakes becomes problematic.

Passing also puts you in a vulnerable spot in a world full of distracted drivers. Too many people on the road aren't paying attention, which can be hazardous if you are attempting to go around them. Someone texting and driving, for example, may not notice you approaching and swerve into your lane unexpectedly as you try to pass.

Picking the Right Spot to Pass

Your success will depend largely on where you make your attempt. Pick a spot with as few side streets and driveways as possible. First, you don't want the motorist you are trying to pass to hit you with the rear of their car as they unexpectedly turn. Second, you don't want another motorist to unexpectedly come out of those areas, either. It's best to pass on a straight stretch of road, free of intersections, side streets, and driveways. 

Take Note of the Driver

Set yourself up for success by ensuring that those you are passing are clearly aware of your presence. If you are passing someone simply because they are driving slowly, this isn't too difficult. But a driver that poses a safety threat, such as a drunk driver or distracted driver, presents a catch-22. On the one hand, you want to get as far away from them as possible! On the other hand, they could be distracted as you try to pass them. Try to evaluate how aware the driver is on the road (and, in turn, how aware they are of you). You can always pull off the road as soon as possible, or change your route so that you can avoid passing an impaired driver.

How to Pass

The key here is to do it as fast as you safely can. The sooner you are back in your desired lane, the sooner you’re back in a safer zone.

The first step is to decide to pass and commit to it. You don't want to be too timid about passing, end up not accelerating soon enough, and then spend more time outside your intended lane than you absolutely have to. Scan the area and ensure it's good to go. Avoid attempting a passing situation that requires other motorists to slow down, speed up, or change lanes. At best, this is rude. At worst, this is dangerous.

Next, you will want to signal and make sure the other driver sees you. While you are still behind the vehicle, begin accelerating. As you pass, you'll want to leave space between you and the other car. This serves as a safety net in case the other motorist swerves. Shoot for about a car door's length between you two. Try to get over as soon as you possibly can.

How to Make Passing Safer

There are a few proactive strategies to make passing as safe as possible. First, make yourself highly visible. You want to stand out on the road as much as possible. Wear bright neon clothing. Before you ride, check that your headlights and turn signals are all working well.

Second, try to only pass when the road conditions are ideal. When it rains, roads become slick and you might lose valuable traction. At night, your ability to spot hazards, such as potholes or sharp curves to the road, will decrease significantly. Try to only pass when you have optimal road conditions and uncompromised visibility.

Finally, make sure your motorcycle is running smoothly. Performance issues can manifest on the road and put you at risk. You can't safely pass if your motorcycle is experiencing issues turning, accelerating, or braking. If you notice any issues, bring your bike on over to Barnes Harley-Davidson Kamloops in British Columbia. We offer parts replacement and service options. We proudly serve those in the cities of Kelowna, British Columbia, and Calgary, Alberta.