Before overtaking, what must a driver assess about their vehicle?

When considering overtaking, a crucial aspect for a driver to assess is whether the vehicle can safely navigate the maneuver. This involves evaluating the vehicle's capabilities, such as its speed, handling, and the conditions of the road and surrounding traffic. Safe navigation includes checking for adequate space to complete the overtaking process without endangering oneself or others on the road. Factors like the distance of oncoming traffic and the speed of both the driver’s vehicle and the vehicle being overtaken come into play.

While having sufficient speed is important, the primary focus should be on the overall safety of the maneuver, which encompasses more than just speed. The physical condition of the vehicle is relevant, but if a driver does not assess the vehicular maneuvering capabilities in relation to the environment, they may still face hazardous situations. The time of day does not significantly impact the physical capability of the vehicle to perform the maneuver, making it less relevant in this context. Thus, a complete assessment for overtaking emphasizes the safety and feasibility of the maneuver itself.