Before passing a slower vehicle, what should you do?

Before passing a slower vehicle, it is essential to ensure that the maneuver is safe and that you are fully aware of your surroundings. Each of the actions mentioned plays a critical role in promoting safe driving practices.

Using your left signal is necessary to communicate your intentions to other drivers. It alerts both the vehicle you intend to pass and other road users that you will be maneuvering into another lane.

Checking your mirrors is equally important as it allows you to assess the position of both the vehicle you are about to pass and any vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps confirm that the lane is clear before you execute the pass.

Looking over your shoulder to check your blind spots is crucial. While mirrors provide a good view of surrounding traffic, they do not cover all angles. This additional check ensures that there are no vehicles or obstacles in your blind spots that you may not have seen, thus enhancing safety during the passing maneuver.

Together, these steps—using signals, checking mirrors, and looking over your shoulder—form a comprehensive approach to safely passing a slower vehicle, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents.