Passing On The Shoulder A Dangerous Risk To Take

Recently in Kansas there have been two fatality crashes involving drivers passing on the shoulder. Passing on the shoulder is not only against the law, but it is dangerous for you, your passengers, and other motorists.

Highway shoulders are designated for emergency use only, not for driving, and certainly, not for passing. They exist for disabled vehicles, stranded motorists, and other emergency situations. Kansas statute 8-1517 makes it illegal to pass on the right shoulder. The fine is $60 for the violation, with court costs of $93.50. If you’re caught passing illegally and ticketed, you’ll pay $153.50 for committing this extremely hazardous traffic violation.

If you’re using a shoulder to pass another vehicle, your view is oftentimes obstructed by that vehicle, and you may not see pedestrians, other vehicles ahead that may be turning, parked vehicles, or debris on the shoulder. You could strike another person, and you could cause disabling injuries or death to yourself or others.

If you pull onto the shoulder to pass a vehicle that’s waiting to turn left, are you certain there is not a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction that might turn into the path of your vehicle? A third vehicle could approach on the side road, assume you’re turning and pull out onto the highway. You could collide broadside with that vehicle, or vice versa, either way the consequences of this type of crash can be devastating.

If you travel onto the shoulder in order to pass a car, there’s often loose gravel or uneven pavement on shoulders. You can lose control of your vehicle quickly, especially when traveling at highway speeds.

Many children that are hit while boarding/exiting school buses are struck by a vehicle improperly passing. Passing when there are obstructed views—on hills, grades, curves, etc.—is also dangerous. Your inability to see around/through the obstruction unnecessarily places yourself and others in danger.

Passing on the shoulder is extremely dangerous. Exercise patience, it could save your or someone else’s life. Think about it, is it really worth it to save a little time?