When overtaking and passing another vehicle on a two-lane road, in which direction should you pass?

Passing on a two-lane road should be done only on the left side of the vehicle you are attempting to overtake. This is important for several reasons. Primarily, the left side is designated as the passing lane, which is consistent with driving rules in the United States that prioritize safety and predictability on the road. When vehicles are overtaking others, passing on the left allows for better visibility of oncoming traffic and ensures adequate space between the vehicles in both directions.

Passing on the left also adheres to the convention that slower-moving vehicles generally stay to the right, allowing faster traffic to move safely around them without confusion. This practice helps to reduce the risk of accidents caused by sudden movements or misjudgments about the spatial relationship of vehicles.

In addition, the other options mentioned may suggest passing on the right, which is typically only allowed in certain circumstances (like while a vehicle is turning left), or imply that passing can occur from either side, which would create unpredictable driving behaviors and increase the likelihood of collisions. Therefore, passing only on the left maintains a standardized approach to vehicle maneuvering on two-lane roads.