Overtaking
05-03-2003, 11:29 AM
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Overtaking
Picture the scene....
45-50mph, on an A road an you are patiently waiting to overtake, you spot a gap in the road....
What gear would you be in?
2nd gear - sweet, your in the
and bang your at 60ish in no time, but you need to change up a gear to avoid hitting the limiter and to do a fast and safe overtake... 1 second wasted in the gearchange?
3rd gear - Just out of VTEC so you patiently wait for the hit (sound like a crack addict here
), then bang your away and past.
My question is which is the fastest method? 
45-50mph, on an A road an you are patiently waiting to overtake, you spot a gap in the road....
What gear would you be in?
2nd gear - sweet, your in the
and bang your at 60ish in no time, but you need to change up a gear to avoid hitting the limiter and to do a fast and safe overtake... 1 second wasted in the gearchange?3rd gear - Just out of VTEC so you patiently wait for the hit (sound like a crack addict here
), then bang your away and past.My question is which is the fastest method?
05-03-2003, 11:51 AM
#4
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Tend to drop back before starting the overtake, accelerate and would be in third before reaching the car to be overtaken. I want both hands on the wheel at that moment in time.
I find the best approach is to move out smartly, not slowly, so that I am on the wrong side of the road if you like, with maximum straight ahead visibility. Then I do all my accelerating (or braking, if the overtake has to be abandoned) in a straight line.
This is different from the normal up their arse, veer out diagonally while accelerating, blast past and veer back in technique
I find the best approach is to move out smartly, not slowly, so that I am on the wrong side of the road if you like, with maximum straight ahead visibility. Then I do all my accelerating (or braking, if the overtake has to be abandoned) in a straight line.
This is different from the normal up their arse, veer out diagonally while accelerating, blast past and veer back in technique
05-03-2003, 12:43 PM
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Firstly depends on several variables. Too many to list here but include, distance before hazard, distance of overtake room available, approaching hazard/vehicle speed, road condition, have you just exited a bend or on a long straight....etc...etc...
i would suggest 2nd gear option for expidited overtake, ie, exiting a right hand bend whilst in the left contact position.....
but as gadaffi states with a longer run up or greater distance to hazard then 3rd gear would be sufficient for a nice longer overtake...
overtaking is very easy....the planning is the hardest job
for what its worth, Roadcraft, has many good examples and is what I learnt for work.
This has been a very condessed answer but hope it helps.
Rob
i would suggest 2nd gear option for expidited overtake, ie, exiting a right hand bend whilst in the left contact position.....
but as gadaffi states with a longer run up or greater distance to hazard then 3rd gear would be sufficient for a nice longer overtake...
overtaking is very easy....the planning is the hardest job
for what its worth, Roadcraft, has many good examples and is what I learnt for work.
This has been a very condessed answer but hope it helps.
Rob
05-03-2003, 01:28 PM
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Moff
I agree with gaddafi to a point, in that before an overtake you need to be back form the vehicle in front in oder to get good visibility, anticipate and plan your overtake and start accelerating towards the vehicle in front before pulling out (therefore 3rd would be the more flexible gear at 50). However with each overtake, situations may be different with varying hazards and of course road conditions. Rob_Jenson is right, Roadcraft does give many good examples but at the end of the day and on each occassion, it's you assesing the information regarding risks and conditions and therefore your choice: as long as it's smooth and controlled it's whatever works for you.
ChrisX
I agree with gaddafi to a point, in that before an overtake you need to be back form the vehicle in front in oder to get good visibility, anticipate and plan your overtake and start accelerating towards the vehicle in front before pulling out (therefore 3rd would be the more flexible gear at 50). However with each overtake, situations may be different with varying hazards and of course road conditions. Rob_Jenson is right, Roadcraft does give many good examples but at the end of the day and on each occassion, it's you assesing the information regarding risks and conditions and therefore your choice: as long as it's smooth and controlled it's whatever works for you.
ChrisX
05-03-2003, 02:43 PM
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With you guys.I always try and start my overtaking manoeuvre a good 4-5 car lengths back while the oncoming traffic is still in the way. My goal is to reach the car in front at roughly that same time as the gap in the traffic on the other side of the road does.
When done correctly you can approach the car at speed (safe of course), overtake, and be back on your side of the road much quicker. The timing is the key. It's always gives me a
when my timing is spot on.As mentioned this also provides much better visibility.
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05-03-2003, 11:55 PM
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2nd gear, right up the others cars arse, jink out and blast horn 
Actually because the 'S' is quite low, I would hang back, use third, pull out, pause so the car is front realises my
intention, then accelerate - I should be hitting VTEC just as I reach his back bumper.
Actually because the 'S' is quite low, I would hang back, use third, pull out, pause so the car is front realises my
intention, then accelerate - I should be hitting VTEC just as I reach his back bumper.
05-03-2003, 11:55 PM
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Originally posted by Fletch
I always try and start my overtaking manoeuvre a good 4-5 car lengths back while the oncoming traffic is still in the way.
I always try and start my overtaking manoeuvre a good 4-5 car lengths back while the oncoming traffic is still in the way.
My other thoughts after deciding if it is safe to go are:
1. check mirrors in case someone else might be thinking of passing me at the same time
2. be VERY careful as I cross the white lines if it is wet
3. be prepared for someone to join the traffic from the opposite direction, e.g. pulling out of driveway etc.
I have said it before, so here I go again. At a SM someone is going to get hurt because of 1 and 3. I have made some questionable driving choices on a SM myself, but let's be careful out there.
PS I reserve the right to mention this yet again in the future to keep us all alive!
