Motorway driving can be intimidating, especially for new drivers. But with the right knowledge and preparation, you can navigate these high-speed roads with confidence. Whether you're a first-time motorway user or just need a refresher, here are some essential tips for safer motorway driving:
Before You Set Off
Vehicle Check: Ensure your car is in good condition is the first step to a safe motorway journey. Check your lights to ensure they’re functioning correctly, and top up essential fluids like oil, coolant, and screen wash. Don’t forget to check your windscreen wipers - clear visibility is crucial during motorway driving.
Plan Your Route: Use a reliable navigation system or map to plan your journey. Familiarise yourself with the route before setting off and be aware of potential traffic hotspots, diversions, or road closures. Keep a physical map handy in case of GPS signal loss. Good planning ensures stress-free motorway driving.
Rest and Refresh: Make sure you're well-rested before embarking on a long motorway driving journey. Tiredness is a major factor in accidents. If you feel fatigued mid-drive, take a break at the nearest service area.
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While on the Motorway
Observe Speed Limits: Speed limits on motorways are there for a reason. Speeding significantly increases your risk of accidents and ensure smoother motorway driving for everyone.
Maintain a Safe Distance: The two-second rule is your best friend on the motorway. Pick a stationary object on the road ahead, like a signpost, and ensure you pass it at least two seconds after the vehicle in front. In adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog increase this distance significantly to allow for safer motorway driving.
Use Your Mirrors: Always be aware of your surroundings. Check your mirrors frequently to monitor the position of other vehicles. Be extra cautious of blind spots.
Stick to the Left Lane: Unless overtaking, stay in the left lane. Only use the middle and right lanes for overtaking slower vehicles. Lingering in these lanes unnecessarily can frustrate other drivers and lead to dangerous overtaking maneuvers.
Overtake Safely: When overtaking, check your mirrors, signal, and only move when it's safe. Return to the left lane as soon as possible.
Be Aware of Vulnerable Road Users: Motorcyclists, in particular, can be difficult to spot, so double-check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
Take Regular Breaks: Experts recommend stopping every two hours for a short rest. Use motorway service areas to stretch, hydrate, and recharge before continuing your journey. Taking breaks is critical to maintaining focus during long motorway driving journeys.
Breakdown or Emergency
Use Emergency Refuges: If your car breaks down, try to move to an emergency refuge. If it’s not possible to reach a refuge, pull over onto the hard shoulder, turn on your hazard lights, and call for help.
Stay in Your Car: In the event of an accident or breakdown, it’s generally safer to stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened. This is especially important on busy motorways, where stepping out onto the road can be highly dangerous. Call emergency services or breakdown recovery for assistance.
Signal for Help: Use hazard lights to alert other drivers to your situation. If you have a high-visibility vest or warning triangle, use them to make your presence more noticeable to approaching vehicles. However, do not attempt to place warning triangles on a live motorway lane. Safety tools are essential for emergency situations during motorway driving.
By following these tips, you can significantly improve your motorway driving. Remember, defensive driving is key. Stay alert, anticipate the actions of other drivers, and enjoy your journey.
Looking for a Safer Ride?
Motorway driving doesn’t have to be stressful. The key to staying safe is defensive driving: staying alert, anticipating the actions of others, and maintaining focus at all times. Be prepared for the unexpected, such as sudden lane changes, debris on the road, or braking by other drivers.
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By following these tips and investing in the right prestige car, you can navigate motorway driving with ease. To learn more, contact Prestige Car Kent and out team will answer any questions you may have!