What action is recommended when you encounter oncoming traffic before passing?

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When preparing to pass oncoming traffic, checking mirrors is a vital step to ensure safety. This action allows you to assess the situation around you, including the distance and speed of oncoming vehicles, as well as any potential hazards that may not be immediately visible. By checking your mirrors, you gain a better perspective on the traffic conditions, helping to confirm that it is safe to proceed with your maneuver.

It's important to ensure that your surrounding environment is clear before attempting to pass. This involves not just being aware of oncoming vehicles but also understanding your own lane position and the space available for passing. Checking mirrors is a responsible driving practice that contributes to making informed decisions on the road.

In this context, signaling intentions to pass is also important, but it should typically follow the assessment made by checking mirrors. Accelerating quickly and changing lanes abruptly can lead to unsafe situations, as they may not give oncoming traffic adequate time to respond to your actions.