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21 - Driving on the Motorway or Highway
Driving on the Motorway or Highway!
MAKE sure your vehicle is roadworthy
Never ever check a map on the move. Make sure you know which junctions you need beforehand
Obey speed limits including lower limits imposed due to congestion, weather or road works
In bad weather, always use fog lights in fog
Do not try to keep up with the car ahead
Watch when the vehicle in front passes an object beside the road, then slowly count "one second, two seconds". If you pass the same object before you've finished counting, you are too close. In bad weather count to “four seconds”
Unless overtaking, keep to the low-speed lane
Every two hours, take a break for at least 15 minutes
If your car breaks down, pull onto the hard shoulder as close to the verge as possible and turn on your hazard warning lights
There are emergency phones every 1500m (about a mile)
Wait for help as far away from traffic as you can
If you need to stop for any other reason - to read a map or use your mobile phone, for instance - pull into a service station
More on Driving on the Motorway or Highway!
If you have to drive through roadworks:
--Slow down and get into the correct lane in good time
--If there is no hard shoulder, watch out for broken down vehicles
--Don't switch lanes
--Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks
--Watch out for works traffic entering or leaving the roadworks
Keep to the speed limit - normally 50mph
Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front
Overtake from the driver’s side only!
When you have to change the lane after overtaking, have a look on the rearview mirror. If the car behind you is not visible in the rearview mirror then do not change the lane, rather wait for the car to appear in your rearview mirror
Use dippers NOT horns. Use a horn in the worst case when someone is not responding on your dipper or indicators
Drive your car in low speed lane and switch to overtake lane only when you have to overtake, then after overtaking return back to your original lane
Driving on the Motorway or Highway - A Summary!
Driving on a motorway or highway involves adhering to specific rules and practices for safety and efficiency. Maintain a safe following distance, use designated lanes for overtaking, and be aware of speed limits and other traffic. Planning your route and taking breaks are also crucial for a smooth and safe journey
Key Considerations for Motorway/Highway Driving:
Lane Discipline:
Keep left unless overtaking, and use the other lanes for passing slower vehicles
Speed Limits:
Be aware of and adhere to posted speed limits, adjusting your speed to suit the conditions
Safe Following Distance:
Maintain a safe following distance, typically two seconds in good conditions, and increase it in poor visibility or adverse weather
Overtaking:
Use your indicators to signal lane changes when overtaking, and return to your original lane after completing the maneuver
Vehicle Checks:
Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and has enough fuel before embarking on your journey
Route Planning:
Plan your route in advance and factor in potential delays or diversions
Take Breaks:
Avoid driving when tired and take regular breaks to stay alert
Emergency Procedures:
Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures, such as what to do in case of a breakdown or accident
Smart Motorways:
Be aware of features like variable speed limits and lane closures on smart motorways and adjust your driving accordingly
