Careless and carefree overtaking has no place on our roads. The death toll on Wednesday stood at 326.

"Overtaking is among the leading causes of road fatalities on our roads," says Kanute Hare, director at the Road Safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport and Works. According to Hare, if drivers must overtake, they should ask themselves five questions:

1. Do I need to overtake the vehicle in front?

2. Is the pass really necessary?

3. Is it safe?

4. Is it legal?

5. Do I really need to get ahead?

St Ann-based examiner Carol Nangle reminds motorists when overtaking, the driver should look well ahead for any hazards, such as junctions, bends, oncoming traffic, traffic signs, road markings, if the vehicle in front is about to overtake or any gradient.

He also mentions a few pointers worthy of note:

1. The driver should assess the speed of the vehicle to be overtaken. This will indicate how long the manoeuvre could take.

2. Allow enough room to be overtaken safely.

3. Drivers are advised against sharply cutting in on the vehicle overtaken.

4. Make a last-minute check for traffic as you accelerate to pass the vehicle ahead.

Motorists are further advised to pay special attention to these points of defensive driving:

1. Ensure that the pass is legal. Passing at intersections, over unbroken white lines ad uphill grades is not only unsafe but also illegal.

2. Begin your pass when you have a safe following distance ahead.

3. Make a quick check of your rear-view mirror and blind spots.

4. Make the proper signal for a lane change.

5. Remember to keep a safe separation gap when following other vehicles.

6. Pay attention to all pedestrian crossing and act accordingly.

7. Show proper regard for the safety of all other road users with particular respect for the most vulnerable.

— Paul Messam