MGF wrote:I thought the requirement was not to commit to the overtake prior to being sure the road in front of the car you're ovetaking is clear and reasonably sure will remain clear, for a safe overtake. As an offside view is usually necessary for that analysis this limits the use of momentum for an overtake.
Maybe so, I'm not disagreeing with you at all; but I think the situation generally envisaged prior to an overtake is that you will have been following another vehicle for a period before an overtaking opportunity arises, and therefore you will inevitably have settled into a 'matched speed' scenario.
In my experience quite a few overtakes can be assessed as you're catching up with another vehicle, and going partially or fully offside as you're closing on them. In that case there is no way I'm going to slow down and match speed with them while I have a final look before committing and going through with it. In such cases the speed differential needs to be restrained so that you can, if necessary, abort the overtake and tuck in behind your target vehicle.
In the event that your hoped-for overtake remains open for the taking, I'd say it makes sense to retain your speed and momentum advantage, and let it help you through to a safe and swift completion of the overtake; and, for those who may be interested in such factors, better MPG figures than would otherwise be the case.
Best wishes all,
Dave.