Before overtaking a long vehicle or lorry, what should you do to ensure safety?

Staying well back from the lorry to obtain a better view is essential for safety before overtaking. Long vehicles can create significant blind spots, and by maintaining a safe distance, you can better assess the traffic conditions ahead and ensure that there is enough space to overtake safely. This practice allows you to have a clearer line of sight to spot any potential hazards, such as oncoming traffic or vehicles that may be turning or slowing down. Additionally, a greater distance gives you more time to react to any unforeseen circumstances.

The other choices do not prioritize safety. Flashing headlights could be misinterpreted and does not guarantee that the driver of the long vehicle is aware of your intentions. Cutting in closely increases the risk of a collision as it can limit your visibility and the space between vehicles. Maneuvering into the next lane without checking is dangerous and can easily lead to accidents due to the lack of awareness of surrounding vehicles. Therefore, maintaining a safe distance is the best approach to ensure a successful and safe overtaking maneuver.