Whether you’re new to driving, or have many years and thousands of miles of driving experience under your belt, motorway driving/travel can be quite daunting.
Motorways have always had a bit of a bad reputation, with many people choosing to avoid them entirely due to unfamiliarity, nervousness, roadworks, or the common misconception that they’re more dangerous than other types of road. However, according to the UK Department for Transport's road casualty figures, motorways are statistically Britain’s safest roads. For example, in 2015 there were 140,000 accidents on Britain’s roads, yet just 4% of these occurred on a motorway.
From June 2018, a change in the law has allowed learner drivers to take driving lessons on motorways in England, Scotland and Wales. Learners need to be accompanied by an DVSA approved driving instructor and drive a car fitted with dual controls. Motorway lessons are voluntary, and it will be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner is competent enough to take a lesson on a motorway. Ask your instructor about any Motorway Lessons they offer.
Here are some tips for helping you to drive safely on the motorway...
Make sure your car is ready - One of the main worries that new drivers have about driving on the motorway for the first time is their car breaking down. Before going on the motorway, take a few minutes to carry out these quick and simple checks on your car to make sure it’s in good condition before setting off. Check the tyre pressure, tread depth, fuel level, engine oil, engine coolant, lights, brake fluid, windscreen wipers and washer fluid and top-up, replace bulbs/parts as necessary. It's also a good idea to make sure you have an up to date subscription with a reputable national breakdown company should the worst happen and you need assistance. Check with your insurance company or even your bank as quite often they provide breakdown cover with a policy or account. Add their number to your phone contacts or put a copy of the policy in your car's glove-box. Not only will your car be prepared but you'll have that added sense of security knowing you're less likely to break down and have the appropriate means to get help if you do.
Forward Planning - Essential when motorway driving. You should already be using forward planning in your day to day driving but you will need more of it on the Motorway network! Vehicles are moving at a faster pace, they move out quickly from lane to lane, not everyone uses their mirrors effectively.
Plan your approach to the motorway - Motorway junctions, slip-roads, and roundabouts can be very busy, with many lanes, signs, traffic lights and queueing vehicles of all types. It's a good idea to at least have looked at a map or your SatNav beforehand to check which way you'll be travelling along the motorway in relation to your direction of approach. Are you taking the first exit on a roundabout to get onto the motorway (heading left), or going all the way round (to your right) to take a 3rd or 4th exit onto a motorway slip-road. Think ahead and make sure you get in the right lane for your slip-road as early as possible.
Use the motorway entry slip-road effectively - Remember, traffic on the motorway could be travelling much faster than you have been as you approach it, so use the entry slip road to accelerate smoothly to a higher speed. Don't linger in low gears or rev your car engine at high speed - go up through your gears quickly and smoothly to attain the speed you need. As you go up/down the slip-road, look well ahead at traffic already on the motorway to judge how fast it is going in relation to your speed. Don't just assume that everyone is traveling at least 70mph! There may be roadworks or a hill with slow moving traffic that's causing everyone to drive at reduced speed. Some slip roads have two lanes, with the left lane generally having a longer length to the point it joins the motorway. If there is one, consider using that left lane of the slip-road as other traffic (often lorries) using that lane generally accelerates more slowly and those drivers tend to leave larger gaps between themselves and the vehicle in front.
Lane discipline - If at all possible stay in the left-most lane unless you come up behind a slower moving vehicle and need to overtake it in the middle or right hand lane. Once you've overtaken, move smoothly back into a lane on your left. Move one lane at a time, checking your mirrors and look for vehicles in your blind spot before you manoeuvre.
The Two Second rule - Keep a gap of at least two seconds from the car in front of you on the motorway. Driving too close to another vehicle can lead to prosecution for driving without due care and attention. This offence carries a minimum fine of £100 and three penalty points, and in some cases more severe penalties or a court appearance.
Use your mirrors... all of them - especially on motorways. Remember, the speed limit is 70 mph and traffic will be moving at this speed (some will be breaking the limit too!) It is important to keep an eye on your mirrors so you know where other road users are on the road, to enable you to safely plan when to move out into another lane, overtake and move back in, as well as avoid hazards!
Passing entry slip-roads - you can help other drivers get onto the motorway safely by looking out for upcoming slip roads. Leave a larger gap between yourself and the vehicle in front to allow room for vehicles entering the motorway to do so unobstructed. If you can (clear and safe to do so), consider moving to your right into the middle lane to free up the left-most lane for traffic coming off the entry slip-road.
Overtaking - Many motorway accidents are caused due to a lack of sufficient observation when changing lanes or overtaking. It is important to use the MSM routine and check Blind Spots when overtaking, for the safety of yourself and others.
Undertaking - This is a dangerous manoeuvre and although not illegal, will land you in a whole heap of trouble if caught. If you undertake a vehicle on the inside lane, you could be looking at a hefty fine and a driving ban for careless driving.
Other traffic - lorries, motorcycles, caravans, wide loads, emergency vehicles. Use mirrors and remember the two second rule! Remember, other road users are also travelling at high speeds!
Roadworks - Always follow the roadwork speed limits, they are there for a reason! If lanes are coned off, move into the lane where directed and keep an eye on the signage.
Breakdowns - The most important thing is to get to a safe place and call for help. It’s best to try to turn off the motorway at the next exit. If you can't, pull up onto the hard shoulder. Make sure you stop as far to the left as you can, with the wheels turned to the left. Turn on your hazard warning lights and If it’s dark or foggy, keep your sidelights on. It’s usually safest to get out of your car (using the doors facing away from passing traffic) and wait behind a barrier. Leave any animals in the car. Move up the bank if you can and stay upstream of the oncoming traffic. Make yourself visible - If you have a high-vis jacket use it.
Exiting the motorway - Motorway exit signs provide information where the junction will take you, the road name and how far the exit junction is. The exit sign initially gives you a 1 mile warning, followed by half a mile. Countdown markers are then used starting with a 300 yard marker, then 200 and finally a 100 yard marker. Use the MSM routine at the 300 yard marker to give other traffic plenty of warning of your intentions. On the exit deceleration slip road, pay particular attention to signs providing information on which lane you need for your destination.
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