Merging, crossing and passing all need gaps big enough to finish the move. Judge them conservatively—oncoming cars look slower than they are—and keep an escape route in mind in case another driver doesn't do what you expect.
Gap you need to merge, change lanes or enter a roadway
Handbook p. 128 ↗Know the rule
Move into the middle of a four-second gap so you and the vehicle behind you each have a three-second following distance. To cross several lanes, take them one at a time.
Handbook p. 128 ↗Know the rule
To cross traffic you need room to get all the way across. Stop halfway only if a median is big enough to hold your whole vehicle.
Handbook p. 128 ↗Know the rule
Even on green, don't start across if vehicles block your way—you can be ticketed for blocking an intersection. Don't pull out just because an approaching car is signaling; wait until it actually starts to turn.
Handbook p. 129 ↗Passing at 55 mph
| You need | About |
|---|---|
| Time to pass | 10 seconds |
| Distance you travel | Over 800 feet |
| Clear view of oncoming road | Over 1,600 feet (about 1/3 mile) |
Know the rule
Don't start to pass within one-third of a mile of a hill or curve—assume an oncoming vehicle is just out of sight. As a general rule, pass only one vehicle at a time.
Handbook p. 129 ↗Don't pass:
- Near intersections, railroad crossings or shopping center entrances
- When people or bicyclists are near the road
- At a narrow bridge or anywhere the lane narrows
- Near ice patches, potholes or objects on the road
- Without enough space to return to your lane
- When a railroad grade crossing is ahead
Know the rule
Return to the driving lane when you can see both headlights of the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror.
Handbook p. 130 ↗Give extra room to:
- Drivers whose view is blocked at intersections or driveways, or who are backing out
- Drivers with snowy, icy or steamed windows; pedestrians with umbrellas or hats pulled down
- Distracted people: delivery persons, construction workers, children
- Confused drivers: tourists, drivers slowing for no reason, drivers looking for signs or house numbers
Know the rule
If another driver makes a mistake—such as passing without enough room—slow down and let them get back in. Let drivers who must change lanes suddenly merge.
Handbook p. 130 ↗Know the rule
Drive defensively: don't assume a signaling driver will turn or that everyone will stop at signs and red lights. Keep an escape route in mind, especially at curves, bridges and hills.
Handbook p. 124 ↗Put it into practice
You're doing 55 on a two-lane road behind a slow truck, and a hill crest is about a quarter mile ahead. Don't pass—you'd need at least a third of a mile of clear road.