When driving, it’s always important to look at the lines on the road. When you’re in a no-passing zone, you should absolutely stay in your lane to avoid collisions. When two lines are there, stay in your lane. Once those lines break on your side of the road, feel free to pass (when it’s safe).
The reason that there are no passing zones is because of limited visibility and the risk of a crash. Unfortunately, some drivers do decide to pass even though they shouldn’t. In some cases, doing so is what causes a serious or fatal collision.
Take for example this case out of Wisconsin in which a woman was killed. A driver was attempting to pass a semi-truck in a no-passing zone, but they instead collided head-on with another vehicle.
According to the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office, the collision took place on State Highway 33 when a 34-year-old man attempted to pass the large truck and entered into the opposite lane of travel. He collided with a GMC Acadia driven by a 67-year-old man. That man’s 68-year-old passenger was seriously injured, being rushed to Froedtert Hospital immediately following the crash. Unfortunately, she did not survive.
The driver of the Acadia was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the 34-year-old man was taken to Aurora Medical Center.
Crashes like this can be avoided if drivers understand the rules of the road and abide by them. If you see a sign that tells you not to pass or you are informed that you need to stay in your lane, do so. It’s going to be safer for you, your passengers and any others who are on the roads. If you are in a wreck with a negligent driver, make sure that you find out more about your right to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.
