Before overtaking, what must a driver ensure regarding other vehicles?

When preparing to overtake another vehicle, it is crucial for a driver to ensure that there are no vehicles approaching from the rear. This involves checking for vehicles that may be traveling at a similar or higher speed behind the driver. If a driver starts to overtake without confirming this, it can create a dangerous situation, particularly if the vehicle behind is also attempting to overtake or is approaching quickly.

Situational awareness is essential in this context; a driver must know what is happening around them to make safe maneuver decisions. A clear assessment of the rear ensures that the driver has ample space and time to execute the overtaking maneuver safely without risking collision with another vehicle.

In contrast, while it is also important to be aware of vehicles coming from the left or right, the immediate danger when overtaking lies primarily with vehicles behind, as they can directly affect the driver's ability to complete the maneuver safely.