Drivers' judgments in vehicular overtaking and passing were studied using familiar (drivers' own) cars and an unfamiliar government vehicle at speeds of 18, 30, and 50 mph. Drivers were not able to estimate passing distances accurately. Average errors of estimation for the different conditions varied from 20 to 50% of the actual overtaking distance. Errors of underestimation, where the maneuver required more space than judged, increased with speed. At 18 mph, 15% of the estimates made by drivers were underestimates: at 50 mph 68% were underestimates. There were no differences observed attributable to familiarity with the car.
FarberE.SilverC.Overtaking and passing on two-lane rural highways. A literature review. June 1967, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
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JonesH. V.HeimstraN. W.Ability of drivers to make critical passing judgments. 1966 Highway Research Record No. 122, Publication 1364, 89–93.
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MatsonT. M.ForbesT. W.Overtaking and passing requirements as determined from a moving vehicle. Proceedings of the Highway Research Board, 1938, 18.
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PriskC. W.Passing practices on rural highways. Proceedings of the Highway Research Board, 1941, 21.
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SilverC.BloomJ.Information requirements for passing. Proceedings of the December 1966 Contractors Conference, Bureau of Public Roads, Langley, Virginia.
