On June 26, 2020, the State Automobile Inspectorate is holding a Unified Road Safety Day under the slogan "Overtaking Must Be Safe!"

Road traffic accidents caused by drivers entering the oncoming lane have particularly severe consequences. On rural roads, overtaking is the most dangerous type of manoeuvre.

Road traffic accidents caused by drivers entering the oncoming lane have particularly severe consequences. On rural roads, overtaking is the most dangerous type of manoeuvre. Even experienced drivers often misjudge the time required for overtaking and the distance the overtaking vehicle will cover.

Do not take risks when overtaking if visibility is limited, for example, due to rain or fog. It should be remembered that when overtaking or meeting oncoming traffic, a trail of water spray and dirt forms behind the vehicle, which settles on the windscreen and impairs visibility. In such conditions, the driver has to drive almost "blind" for several seconds.

Under no circumstances should overtaking be performed on the right-hand side on the shoulder, even if it is clear of vehicles and people and is well visible. Very often, potholes, ruts, and foreign objects cause a change in direction, a collision with the overtaken vehicle, and its "push" into the oncoming lane.

There is no doubt that, to varying degrees, every driver knows the rules for overtaking. However, it must be regretted that knowledge of the rules does not motivate a significant portion of drivers to observe them in practice. This is despite the rather severe sanctions. Responsibility for the specified violation is provided for by Art. 18.14 Part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus. Responsibility is provided in the form of a fine ranging from two to ten base units with deprivation of the right to drive for a period of up to 12 months or without deprivation.

Why are drivers forced to overtake?... From the perspective of the overtaking driver, overtaking is largely forced, as the lane they are travelling in is occupied by another driver who is driving slower than the road conditions allow. Impatiently, the overtaking driver often undertakes the manoeuvre riskily. Overtaking requires a high level of responsibility and driving skill from the driver. Compliance with the rules for overtaking, which we will discuss below, should contribute to ensuring the safety of all voluntary and involuntary participants in the manoeuvre.

Before starting to overtake, the driver is obliged to

ensure that the lane he intends to enter is clear and that his actions will not create a hazard to road traffic, nor compel other road users to change direction and/or reduce speed.

A driver is prohibited from overtaking:

- if the driver of the vehicle ahead in the same lane has signalled a left turn;

- if drivers following behind have commenced overtaking.

The driver of the overtaken vehicle must, taking into account the road traffic situation, drive closer to the right edge of the roadway and must not impede overtaking by increasing speed or by any other action.

Overtaking is prohibited:

- in the zone of operation of road signs "No Overtaking", "Overtaking by Goods Vehicles Prohibited", on road bends marked with road signs "Dangerous Bend", "Dangerous Bends", on ascents marked with the road sign "Steep Ascent", as well as where road marking 1.1 is present (except for overtaking a single vehicle moving at a speed of less than 30 km/h), at the end of ascents and in other sections of roads with limited visibility;

- at marked and (or) regulated intersections;

- at pedestrian crossings and within 50 metres thereof in both directions;

- a vehicle that is overtaking or manoeuvring around an obstacle;

- when road visibility is insufficient;

- on bridges, overpasses, flyovers and under them;

- at railway crossings and within 100 metres thereof.

To prevent road traffic accidents resulting from entering the oncoming lane, on 26 June 2020, the State Automobile Inspectorate is holding a Unified Road Safety Day under the slogan "Overtaking Must Be Safe!".