Ohlins wrote:Gareth wrote:the only extra information is how other vehicles are responding.
the world looks different from the offside.
I think we're talking past each other
Offside before overtaking is where you decide whether to overtake? I think you agree, because that's what Mike said.
So (I think) we agree that being offside while deciding isn't part of the overtake, it's part of the preparation. So all the items you mentioned are preparation, however some of them are what you already need to be doing just to be moving forward (road surface, hidden entrances, and so on).
Come the overtake, everything is decided, you go. While overtaking, you continue to do the same things as you need to be doing to move forward, with the additional consideration of how the other vehicle is responding.
Ohlins wrote:If I prepare well in advance and decide the overtake is safe
If there is a difference in points of view I think it may be here. It sounds as if you are making the decision while following, then moving out to check.
I think the safer approach is that, while following, all you are doing is looking for an opportunity to go offside. Once there you can assess, return to the nearside if it's not on, go if it is, or wait there until it's clear one way or the other.
there is only the road, nothing but the road ...