A Guide To Driving Safely on UK Motorways

For many people in the UK, motorway driving can be a source of real stress; with some drivers actively avoiding motorway driving where they can. Whilst statistics show there are far fewer accidents on UK motorways compared to other British roads, the speed at which vehicles travel means incidents or accidents are often more severe.

To reduce stress, we have listed a few motorway driving tips and techniques to help you minimise risks and make your experience a pleasant one from the slip road to your required motorway exit.

Tips When Joining a Motorway

Hopping onto a motorway for the first time can feel intimidating for most drivers, especially with the speeds of other vehicles in close proximity. But fear not! Follow these simple tips and you’ll be merging with confidence in no time. Here’s what to remember:

• Match the Flow: Before trying to join the motorway, take a glance at the motorway traffic. Is it light or busy? Look for a safe gap in the left lane (usually the slowest lane) and be aware that motorway traffic (typically most cars, vans and bikes!) travel between 60-80mph.
• Gain Speed: Don’t join the motorway at too slow a speed! It can be dangerous for you and other drivers. Use the slip road to accelerate and match the speed of traffic before you merge.
• Signal Your Move: As you approach the motorway and spot a gap, use your right turn signal (in plenty of time) to show you want to merge. Note, indicating does NOT give you right of way into someone else’s lane space!
• Be Courteous: If you’re already on the motorway and see someone entering from a slip road, try to move over a lane to let them in safely.

Safely Cruise on a Motorway with Confidence: Essential Tips

Feeling safe and in control on the motorway is key to a relaxed drive. Here are some golden rules to keep your journey smooth:

• Maintain the Flow: Stick to the speed limit (usually 70mph unless you’re in a Smart Motorway section or Variable Speed Limit zone) and keep a safe distance using the 2-second rule (from experience you’ll want to increase this in bad weather). If someone’s tailgating you, politely move over to a lane on the left when its safe to do so to allow them to pass.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Regularly check your mirrors to stay informed about what’s happening behind you, just as much as you focus on the road ahead. It’s all too easy to forget to keep a regular eye on fast moving traffic coming up behind you. 
• Stay Left Unless Overtaking: The left lane is the cruising lane. Only move into the 2 outside lanes to overtake slower vehicles, using your mirrors and indicating clearly before changing lanes (NOT AFTER YOU START TO CHANGE LANES). Always leave plenty of space when merging back in (at least two car lengths).
• Minimize Distractions: Keep your car stereo music at a reasonable volume so you can hear sirens or horns. If you have passengers, ensure they’re entertained to avoid in-car distractions.

Leaving the Motorway with Ease

Exiting a motorway, especially if it is busy, can feel trickier than entering. Here’s how to make it a smooth transition:

• Plan Your Exit Early: As you approach your exit, move to the left lane (usually the slowest lane) to avoid last-minute lane changes. This is especially important if there’s congestion. Don’t mozy on down to just before the exit and suddenly steer your car off in front of other drivers, it’s not considerate to others!
• Signal Your Move: Don’t forget to check your mirrors and indicate well in advance to let other drivers know you’re exiting.
• Don’t Rush: Avoid speeding up to overtake slower vehicles and push in front of them, it’s dangerous.
• Slow Down and Be Prepared to Stop: Motorway exit lanes often lead to roundabouts with junctions so reduce your speed and be ready to come to a complete stop if necessary.

5 Motorway Must-Knows for those All Important Extra Brownie Points!

• Pack Smart: Be aware that food and fuel really are very much pricier at motorway service stations, it’s like they have a captive market (actually they do!). Consider bringing your own snacks and water bottles, especially for long motorway journeys. Alternatively do some research and find a fuel station and/or restaurant just off the motorway, they do exist!
• Plan for Fatigue: Feeling drowsy? Pull over at the next service station for a break, grab a coffee and stretch your legs. Never drive tired. 
• Traffic Jams: Stuck in a motorway traffic jam? Stay calm. Keep your car in the lane and avoid opening doors. Motorcycles often filter through traffic, so be extra vigilant for them. Don’t be tempted to use your phone if traffic is moving slowly or even queued, it’s an offence.

Fear Of Motorway Driving

If motorway driving is a daunting prospect for you, you are not alone. In a 2022 survey conducted by the RAC, some 6% of the 1004 respondents admitted to being worried by motorway driving, with the main reasons cited being they felt more at risk of an accident and the speed at which the traffic travels being daunting.

If you fear motorway driving, consider the following to help you:

• Invest in in some motorway driving lessons – these extracurricular lessons are offered by most driving instructors.
• Try driving on the motorway with a friend or relative first to calm your nerves and go late at night when it’s generally quieter. Don’t drive tired!
• If your car has one then use your satnav guidance to alert you to when to exit off the motorway.
• Don’t just look at the car or vehicle in front of you, try to keep an eye on what is happening further ahead as well as behind you to help you plan ahead.

Make Sure Your Car Is Well Maintained

Before any long motorway journey, you should check your tyre pressure, oil levels and level of the windscreen and brake fluids – regularly servicing your vehicle reduces the chances of a breakdown dramatically.

If you need to book your vehicle in for a service or have any questions regarding motorway driving, give our friendly team a call on 01291 627137or get in touch