Rules of Safe Overtaking in Malaysia: The 12 Second Rule, 10 Overtaking Rules, and Don’ts of Overtaking
Every driver needs to know the driving rules when it comes to overtaking a car. In Malaysia, it is illegal to overtake on the left side. This driving rule is in place for the safety of all drivers on Malaysian roads. When driving, always maintain a safe following distance from the car in front of you. This will give you enough time to react if the car in front of you makes a sudden stop. Only overtake when you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. It is also important to use your signal lights when you are overtaking a car. This will let other drivers know your intentions and help to prevent accidents.
When driving, always be aware of your surroundings and take care when overtaking another vehicle. Remember, overtaking can be dangerous and is only to be done when it is absolutely necessary. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure safe driving and promote road safety in Malaysia.
The 12 Second Rule
The 12 second rule is a driving rule that states that you should never overtake a car if there is less than 12 seconds' worth of space between you and the car in front. This rule is particularly relevant in Malaysia, where overtaking can be tricky due to the high volume of traffic. By following the 12 second rule, you can be sure that you are driving safely and not putting yourself or other road users at risk. Remember, safety is always paramount when driving, so make sure you follow the rules of the road to ensure a safe journey for all.
In Malaysia, the rules for overtaking vary depending on the type of road. On a two-lane road, drivers must give way to vehicles travelling in the opposite direction unless there is a sign indicating otherwise. On a multi-lane road, drivers may overtake on the left or on the right (don’t use left lane to overtake until necessary), as long as they do so safely and without obstructing other vehicles. Drivers should use their headlights when overtaking, and should always be aware of their surroundings and any potential hazards. If you're not sure whether it's safe to overtake, it's best to wait until you are. Remember: safety first!
10 Car Overtaking Rules
On Malaysian roads, it is very important to follow the driving rules when overtaking a car. This is because overtaking can be very dangerous and can lead to accidents. There are 10 car overtaking rules that drivers should follow in order to ensure safe driving. These rules are:
1. Always use the right lane i.e., fast lane when overtaking.
2. Do not overtake if there is oncoming traffic.
3. Use your indicators when changing lanes.
4. Do not cut in front of the car you are overtaking.
5. Only overtake when there is enough space.
6. Do not brake suddenly after overtaking.
7. Be patient when overtaking slower vehicles.
8. Do not Tailgate the car in front.
9. Use your horn if needed.
10. Drive safely and within the speed limit.
Pre-Overtaking Rules
1. Only overtake when it is safe to do so.
2. Check your mirrors and blind spots before signalling or changing lanes.
3. Use your indicators to signal your intention to overtake.
4. Make sure you have enough space to overtake before pulling out.
5. Do not assume that other drivers will give way to you – always check first.
Post-Overtaking Rules
1. Accelerate smoothly after overtaking – do not brake suddenly afterwards.
2. Do not cut in too soon after overtaking – leave a reasonable distance between you and the vehicle you have just overtaken.
3. Always check for oncoming traffic before returning to your original lane.
4. Use your horn if necessary to warn other drivers of your presence – do not use it aggressively.
7 Don’ts of Overtaking
1. Don’t accelerate too rapidly when overtaking. Maintain a steady speed so that you can better control your vehicle.
2. Be aware of the blind spots of both your own vehicle and the one ahead of you. Don’t assume that a driver has seen you and make sure to check for oncoming traffic before changing lanes.
3. Don’t overtake on a curve or corner. This reduces your visibility and increases the chance of an accident.
4. Don’t underestimate the speed of the other vehicle. Remember that even if you are driving a faster car, the other driver may be experienced and able to maintain a higher speed than you expect.
5. Don’t cut in too soon after overtaking. Make sure to leave enough space between your car and the one ahead so that the driver can safely merge back into traffic.
6. Don’t continue driving at a high speed once you have passed the other vehicle. Slow down once you have finished overtaking.
7. Don’t overtake on double lines.
Remember, the faster you are going, the greater the distance you will need to safely overtake another vehicle. Although the act of overtaking may seem like a simple driving manoeuvre, statistics show that it is one of the main causes of accidents on Malaysian roads. The car Overtaking Rules listed above are crucial for all drivers to take note of and follow whenever they plan to overtake another vehicle. By following these rules, we can help reducing the number of accidents caused by careless driving and make our roads a safer place for everyone.
If you want to share your good or bad overtaking experiences, write a comment below.
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