What is the best way to determine if it is safe to pass a vehicle?

To determine if it is safe to pass a vehicle, looking 20-30 seconds ahead provides the best insight into the roadway conditions and potential hazards. This practice allows a driver to assess the distance to oncoming traffic, understand the speed of vehicles ahead and make informed decisions about passing maneuvers. By viewing the road well in advance, you can notice any curves, intersections, or other vehicles that may impede safe passing.

While looking directly ahead can help you watch the vehicle in front of you, it does not offer the broader perspective needed to ensure overall safety during a pass. Observing other cars is also essential; however, it is more effective when combined with looking further down the road to gauge their speeds and spacing. Checking your mirrors constantly is important for overall awareness, yet without planning ahead, this does not provide the foresight crucial for safely executing a pass.