Accidents happen all the time. While some are unavoidable, there are others that could easily be avoided with a bit of knowledge.
One such preventable accident occurs when someone passes another vehicle on the road when it isn’t safe (or legally allowed). The best way to know when it is safe to pass while driving is to know what the lines on the road mean.
Interpreting road lines
There are a few different types of road lines you will encounter on Missouri roads. Each one tells you something different. They include:
- Single yellow dotted line: With this line, cars are allowed to pass if it is safe to do so (i.e., no incoming traffic).
- Single yellow dotted line and solid line: The traffic on the side of the road with the dotted line can pass if it is safe to do so, while the traffic with the solid line cannot pass under any circumstances.
- Double yellow solid line: No passing.
In most cases, you will find solid yellow lines on roads with low visibility. For example, roads with a lot of curves or hills.
Follow the lines to stay safe on the road
The purpose of the lines on the road is to help you stay safe and let you know when it is safe to pass. However, it is still up to you to make a judgment regarding if you can do this safely. For example, if there is oncoming traffic, it’s obviously best to stay in your own lane.
Protect your rights in a passing or lane-changing accident
If you are involved in an accident where someone passed when it was not allowed or unsafe, you may be able to file a legal claim. Be sure to know your rights and the “rules of the road” to avoid causing an accident like this yourself.