Road Safety - Drive on the right, overtake on the left

Road Safety – Drive on the right, overtake on the left

On the motorway: drive on the right, overtake on the left

Although motorways carry more traffic over greater distances than other roads, they generally have a lower accident rate. However, because of the higher speeds involved, the consequences of accidents can be far more serious. It is therefore important that drivers contribute to safer, smoother traffic flow by driving responsibly, predictably and correctly.

Proper overtaking and returning safely to the right-hand lane play a key role in achieving this. There is no free choice of lanes on motorways. The left-hand lane is reserved for overtaking, and remaining in it without justification reduces traffic flow and increases the risk of dangerous situations. On sections with three lanes, drivers should remember that the two right-hand lanes are intended for normal driving, while the far-left lane is reserved for overtaking.

Before overtaking, drivers must check the traffic behind them, signal their intention to change lanes in good time, take account of the speed and distance of other vehicles and complete the manoeuvre without endangering or obstructing other road users. Once they have overtaken, they should return to the right-hand lane as soon as it is safe to do so, leaving an adequate safety distance from the vehicle they have passed.

Unjustified use of the left-hand lane can lead to unnecessary braking, reduced traffic flow, driver frustration and an increased risk of rear-end collisions. To help make motorway traffic smoother and, above all, safer, the Road Safety Agency of the Republic of Slovenia urges all drivers to drive correctly, considerately and responsibly.

Road Safety Agency of the Republic of Slovenia