What is the effect of failing to judge the speed of approaching vehicles when passing?

Failing to accurately judge the speed of approaching vehicles while passing is a critical mistake that can lead to dangerous situations, including head-on collisions. When a driver miscalculates the speed of oncoming traffic, they may enter the passing lane without sufficient time to safely complete the maneuver. This increases the risk of a collision with an approaching vehicle, which could lead to severe accidents and potential fatalities.

Responsible passing requires an understanding of both your own vehicle's speed and the speed of the vehicles you are passing. If you underestimate how fast an oncoming vehicle is approaching, you might not have enough time to return to your lane safely, which dramatically heightens the risk of a crash. Thus, accurate judgment of speed is essential for maintaining safety on the road.