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Driving on a motorway is an everyday activity for thousands of motorists, and these fast-moving arteries for traffic can offer an efficient and easy way of travelling. They are also statistically the safest roads in the UK. But if you are a new driver, driving an unfamiliar vehicle or are just not used to using motorways then they can be daunting. The high speeds and mixture of vehicles mean our M-roads have a very different feel to country lanes and urban streets. But once you are prepared and familiar with the rules, driving on motorways will soon become second nature.
If it's your first time driving on a motorway, it's normal to feel nervous. Before setting off, plan your route, check traffic conditions and make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey. Build up speed using the slip road so you can merge safely with motorway traffic, and always check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. Staying calm and anticipating the actions of other drivers will help you gain confidence with ever journey.
1. Make Sure You Are Legal
First of our motorway driving tips, not all drivers or vehicles can use the motorway. You’ll not be allowed on until you have passed a test and have a full motorcycle or car licence. Even then, you’ll not be permitted on if you are using a moped or certain slow-moving vehicles such as tractors.
Some routes switch from being A-roads to motorways, so you’ll need to make sure you don’t drive on one by mistake if you’re not allowed. Look out for the warnings and be aware that the signs will change from having green or white backgrounds to blue once you are on the motorway.
2. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Well Maintained
Breaking down on a motorway will be scary – especially if it is one of the new ‘Smart’ roads with no permanent hard shoulder. This makes it especially important to ensure your car is properly maintained by professionals such as the aftersales staff at Eden. Pay attention to warning lights and check your tyres regularly too.
Buying fuel from a motorway service station tends to be very expensive, so top up before you join. This advice goes for you too – make sure you feel well enough to drive and have enough refreshments for the journey.
If your car does develop a problem or you feel unwell, leave at the next junction or service area if you can. If that’s not possible, move left onto the hard shoulder or nearest emergency area – these are lay-bys which are clearly painted bright yellow.
If you can, get yourself and any passengers out of the vehicle using the passenger door, and get over the safety barrier on to the verge. If your car can’t make it to a refuge or the hard shoulder and is stuck in a live lane, call 999 immediately.
3. Check the Route
A good tip for driving on the motorway is it’s worth making use of technology to check your route, as a motorway closure could add hours to your journey because you won’t be able to turn around or nip down a side road if you are between junctions.
Most of the cars and vans sold by Eden will have built-in navigation and smartphone connectivity. These will warn you of hold ups using live data and suggest an alternative route. The directions will also give you plenty of warning when it is time to exit the motorway so you can move over in time.
4. Watch the Signs
Modern motorways demand that you pay attention to electronic signs which can warn you of upcoming problems and manage speed limits. A red X showed above a lane means it is closed and you must not pass underneath it, or you could be fined. Watch for the changing speed limits too – motorways have police cameras which can catch you out, especially in road works.
5. Stay Left
There is no such thing as a ‘slow lane’ or ‘fast lane’. The Highway Code says you must stay left if you are not overtaking. Staying in the middle or right-hand lanes when you are not passing slower vehicles will infuriate other drivers and could land you with a fine from the police.
Get Your Car Ready for the Motorway at Eden Motor Group
Whether you are planning a long journey or commuting regularly on the motorway, keeping your vehicle well maintained is essential. At Eden Motor Group, our manufacturer-trained technicians can carry out servicing, tyre inspections, brake checks and vehicle health checks to help ensure your car is ready for every journey.
What should I do before driving on a motorway for the first time?
Plan your route, check your vehicle is roadworthy and familiarise yourself with motorway signs and lane rules. Choosing a quieter time of day can also help build confidence.
How do I join a motorway safely?
Use the slip road to build up speed, check your mirrors and blind spots, signal and merge when there's a safe gap in traffic. Avoid stopping at the end of the slip road unless absolutely necessary.
Is motorway driving safer than other roads?
Motorways are generally among the safest roads in the UK because they have controlled access, multiple lanes and no pedestrians or cyclists. Safe driving habits remain essential.
What is the most important motorway driving tip?
Stay alert, keep a safe following distance, use the correct lane and always check your mirrors before changing lanes. Planning ahead and avoiding distractions will make every motorway journey safer.
Established in 2008, we strive to create a better world of motoring and provide our customers with an unparalleled level of customer service.
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Eden Automotive Ltd/Eden Motor Retail Ltd is a credit broker not a lender. We work with a number of carefully selected lenders who may be able to offer you finance for your purchase. The lender will pay us a commission for arranging finance for you. The commission amount will be disclosed to you in good time before you enter into the agreement. You will be required to provide your consent to the commission before proceeding. The lender will require a credit check and conduct an affordability assessment before making any offer of finance to you. All finance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.
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