When overtaking another vehicle on a two-lane roadway, a good rule of thumb to use to determine when it is safe to return to the right-hand lane of traffic is when you can see the overtaken vehicle in your rearview mirror. This ensures that you have cleared the vehicle completely and can safely merge back into the right lane without risking a collision.
Returning to the right lane too soon can be dangerous as it might cut off the overtaken vehicle, leading to a potential accident. Waiting until you can see the overtaken vehicle in your rearview mirror ensures a safe distance between your vehicle and the one you passed.
It's important to always use your mirrors, signal your intention to merge back, and make sure there is enough space and time to safely move over. By following this rule, you can help maintain smooth and safe traffic flow for yourself and others on the road.
