Driving on the Motorway - Keeping Safe

Motorway driving is different to your normal day to day driving because you are driving at much higher speeds for longer periods of time making it easier to lose concentration and make mistakes. If you are driving a long distance it is all too easy to become lazy, leaving decisions to the last minute and failing to indicate before you change lanes. This can not only upset the drivers around you it can also cause accidents in your wake.


Some drivers are very nervous on the motorway and drive slower than the speed limit which can also be dangerous. Others avoid the motorway completely by taking A-roads and detours around major roadways. 

It is due to this combination of drivers that we have put together a list of points to consider when driving on the motorway to make it safer for you and the drivers around you, whichever type of driver you are.

Here are some tips for safer driving on the motorway:

  • when joining a motorway accelerate along the slip road to match the speed of the cars already driving on the motorway. This will make it safer and easier to join the flow of traffic.
  • when driving at high speeds you must leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front.  An accepted guide is the "2 second rule", when the car in front passes an item like a signpost or junction count how many seconds until you pass the same item. The gap should be at least 2 seconds however this rule is doubled if it is raining or the road is wet.
  • leave yourslf plenty of time for changing lanes and don't squeeze into gaps that other drivers have left as this can cause sudden braking. Indicate clearly when changing lanes to make other drivers aware of your movement.
  • stay in the furthest left hand lane unless you are overtaking as hogging the middle lane for long periods of time contributes to congestion on the motorways.
  • when changing lanes don't forget to check your mirrors and blind spots as cars creep up on you much more quickly on the motorway.
  • do not drive parallel to another car for long periods of time as you may be in their blindspot and they may not see you when they change lanes.
  • if the traffic ahead is slowing fast or has come to a standstill, use your hazard lights to inform the cars behind you and stop any accidents from happening.

if you are driving long distances, especially late at night, take regular breaks to refresh yourself. Driving whilst tired can be very dangerous for both you and other drivers around you.

 

  • if you're travelling with children on board, make sure you back plenty of games to amuse them on route. Upset and bored children can cause a distraction and affect your concentration whilst on the road.

 

  • in foggy, dull or wet conditions make sure you switch your lights on so drivers around you can see your vehicle.

Happy motoring!