When meeting an oncoming vehicle on a two-way street, how should you position your lane?

Positioning your vehicle slightly to the right of center when encountering an oncoming vehicle on a two-way street is essential for maintaining safety and minimizing the risk of a collision. This practice allows for a larger buffer between your vehicle and the oncoming traffic, providing additional space which is crucial, especially in situations where there may be obstacles, debris, or if the oncoming vehicle drifts out of its lane.

By adjusting to the right, you reduce the likelihood of a dangerous scenario where either vehicle might inadvertently cross into the other’s lane, particularly if one of the drivers has a moment of inattention. This positioning also ensures that both drivers have ample visibility, allowing you to see the oncoming vehicle more clearly while also allowing them to see you. Maintaining a safe distance is especially important in adverse weather conditions or on narrow roads where passing might be difficult.

Choosing to center your lane or move to the left side would reduce the space available between you and the oncoming vehicle, increasing the risk of a side-swipe or head-on collision. Shifting into the opposite lane is not safe as it endangers both drivers and is typically illegal without proper signaling and road conditions that allow for a lane change.