Final answer:
You cannot pass another vehicle on the road when approaching a corner or intersection and when the road conditions or laws do not permit it. Exceptions for emergency situations exist but are rare. Always consider speed limits, traffic conditions, and distances before attempting to pass or cross a road.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are multiple situations when passing another vehicle on the road is not permitted. Passing is not safe when approaching a street corner or intersection, especially if other cars are present and stopped. The action of another car honking its horn does not change the rule that you should not pass at corners or intersections, for traffic safety reasons.
When there is an emergency situation, such as a pregnant woman in urgent need of medical assistance, laws provide some leeway for breaking certain traffic rules, like passing a red light in deserted conditions at 4 AM to get to the hospital. However, this is a rare exception and regular traffic laws should always be followed.
In conditions where a driver is going the minimum speed limit or there is heavy traffic, like in the case of the elderly man being tailgated, it is appropriate to pass when safe to do so on a multi-lane road. However, it's critical to ensure that the maneuver does not endanger anyone and complies with local traffic laws and conditions, such as speed limits and lane markings.
Furthermore, the dilemma of crossing the road safely also relates to the importance of speed limits and traffic signals. It is not safe to cross outside of designated crossings, especially when cars might not be maintaining appropriate speeds. Estimating the safety of crossing involves assessing the distance of oncoming traffic, often measured in car-lengths, and the speed at which vehicles are traveling.