MOTORWAY DRIVING

Basic Preparation

Motorways are statistically the safest roads to drive on. However, motorway accidents invariably involve a larger number of vehicles traveling at high speeds and usually result in more serious injuries and damage than incidents on normal roads. The higher overall speeds and the volume of traffic cause conditions to change much more rapidly than on normal roads. For this reason you need to be:

• Totally alert
• Physically fit
• Concentrating fully

If you are not, you may not be able to react to any sudden changes taking place ahead of you.

Fitness

Don’t drive if you are:

• Tired
• Unwell
• Taking medication which may hinder your driving
• Unable to concentrate
• Unduly stressed

Any of these factors will affect your reactions, especially if you have to deal with an emergency.

Rest periods

You must observe mandatory rest periods in your daily driving schedule. On long journeys, try to plan them to coincide with a break at a motorway service area or refreshment stop. This is especially important at night, when a long journey can cause tiredness to set in. If you feel tiredness coming on, open the windows and turn the heating down and get off the motorway at the next junction.

Vehicle Checks

Before driving on the motorway you should ensure that you carry out routine checks on your vehicle, especially considering the long distances and prolonged higher speeds involved.

Tyres
All tyres on your vehicle (and any trailer) must be in good condition. Tyres can become very hot and disintegrate under sustained high-speed running. Check for excessive heat when you stop for a break.

Inspect inside and outside visible faces for signs of:

• Wear
• Damage
• Bulges
• Separation
• Exposed cords

Make sure that your vehicle has the correct sized wheels fitted. Smaller diameters will run faster and may overheat on longer journeys. Ensure that all tyres are suitable for the loads being carried. If a tyre bursts or shreds you may be able to see this in your mirrors. If you see smoke from the tyres you should stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Always make a habit of checking the tyre pressures regularly.

Mirrors
Ensure that all mirrors are properly adjusted to give the best possible view to the rear. The mirrors should be clean and replaced straight way if damaged.

Use your mirrors so that you have a constant view of what is around you. Frequently check down the side of your vehicle to observe other road users who may be attempting to overtake you.

Windscreen
All glass must be:

• Clean
• Clear
• Free from defects

Keep all windscreen washer reservoirs topped up and the jets clear. Make sure that all wiper blades are in good condition.

Instruments
Check all gauges and warning lights such as:

• Anti-lock braking (ABS)
• Air pressure
• Oil pressure
• Coolant
• Temperature
• Lights

Lights and indicators
It is essential that all lamps are clean and bulbs and light units are operating correctly. It is vital that the driver can see clearly ahead but it is essential that other road users are able to recognise the size of your vehicle and the direction in which it is traveling. All regulation markers and rear lights must be lit and clear of dirt or other obstacles. Avoid placing distractions such Christmas tree lights or other materials as this may confuse or distract other road users.

Fuel
Make sure that you either have enough fuel on board to complete the journey or have the facility (cash, fuel card, etc) to refuel at a service area.

Oil
The engine operates at sustained high speeds on a motorway, so it is vital to check all oil levels before setting out.

Coolant
The engine operates at sustained high speeds on a motorway, so it is vital to check the coolant level in the system before setting out.

Joining a Motorway

There are a number of ways in which traffic can join a motorway.

At a roundabout
The exit form a roundabout will be signposted. Signs are displayed prominently to prevent non-motorway traffic accidentally entering the system.

Via a slip road
Slip roads leading directly onto the motorway will be clearly signed to prevent prohibited traffic entering the motorway.

Effective Observation
Before joining the motorway from a slip road try to assess what traffic conditions are like on the motorway itself. Get as much information as you can to help plan your speed on the slip road. You will need to build up your speed and emerge safely onto the main carriageway. Plan you approach and try to avoid having to stop at the end of the slip road. But if the motorway is extremely busy you may have to stop and filter into the traffic. Don’t use the size of your vehicle to force your way onto the motorway. Use your mirror and signal as you pull out onto the main carriageway, if it is safe to do so.

A quick sideways glance may be necessary to ensure that you correctly assess the speed of any traffic approaching in the nearside lane.

Don’t:

• Pull out into the path of traffic in the nearside lane if this will cause it to slow down or swerve
• Drive along the hard shoulder to ‘filter’ into the left-hand lane

There are a number of locations where traffic merges onto the motorway from the right. Take additional care in these situations.

Making progress approaching access points
After passing a motorway exit there will often be an entrance or access point onto the motorway. Look well ahead and if there are vehicles joining the motorway:

• Don’t try to race them while they are on the slip road
• Be prepared to adjust speed
• Move to the next lane, if it is safe to do so, to allow joining traffic to merge

Lane discipline
Keep to the left-hand lane unless overtaking slower vehicles. On two-lane motorways HGV’s are permitted to use the right-hand lane for overtaking. Use you mirrors, then signal well before moving out. Don’t start to pull out and then signal. Look well ahead to plan any overtaking manoeuvre, especially given the effect a speed limiter will have on the power available to you. Observe signs showing a climbing lane which will suggest a long gradual climb ahead.

Separation distance
On motorways you should allow

• Greater margins than on normal roads
• A safe separation distance

In good conditions you will need at least

• One metre (about 3 feet) for every kph
• A two-second gap

In poor conditions you will need at least

• Double the distance
• A four-second gap

In snow or icy conditions the stopping distance can be ten times those needed in normal dry conditions

Signals

Warning lights show when there are dangers ahead such as:

• Accidents
• Fog
• Icy roads

Look out for variable message warning signs advising

• Lane closures
• Speed limits
• Hazards