Passing safely means taking precautions

Knowing when to pass

Passing another vehicle is one of the most crucial maneuvers you can make on the highway.

Passing safely takes solid driving skills, good vision, and preparation - defensive drivers start preparing to pass as soon as they decide they need to make the maneuver.

Here's a suggested process for safely passing other vehicles:

• Check your rearview mirrors to make sure another driver isn't about to pass.
• Put on your left turn signal and move to the left side of the lane to get a clear view of oncoming traffic that's not obscured by the vehicle ahead of you.
• Make sure you have at least three-quarters of a mile to complete the pass.
• When it's clear, move into the passing lane, step on the gas and continue to accelerate until you can see the entire vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror.
• Start your right turn signal and ease the car back into your original lane.
• Continue driving at a slightly higher speed than the vehicle you passed, to keep from annoying that driver. However, don't drive faster than the posted speed limits and road and weather conditions allow.

Weather and road conditions

Defensive driving becomes especially critical when the road is slippery from ice, snow or rain - hydroplaning on water, for instance, takes away steering traction. Defensive drivers will consider the likelihood of poor traction before deciding to pass in those conditions.

There also are other instances when defensive drivers will decide not to pass, including:

• When the road has a high crown
• When the road's surface is bumpy
• When the driver can't see a clear road ahead for more than three-quarters of a mile

Help is available

At Allstate, we want to not only provide the insurance coverage that helps protect your people and property, but to give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're backed by a team of Loss Control Consultants who understand your business and can help you prevent a loss before it happens.

That's why we've created the Allstate Safety Line at 800-877-6998, where Loss Control Consultants personally help small-business owners learn more about:

• Fleet and auto safety
• Accident investigations
• Self-inspection procedures
• Safety training
• Fire protection and safety
• Hazard control methods
• Safety and health rules and regulations that apply to your particular business
• Much more

Just call us anytime with your contact information and briefly describe your question or issue. If a trained Loss Control Specialist isn't immediately available, one will call you back by the end of the next business day.