Staying Safe on the Motorway: Essential Safety Tips You MUST Know

When you're joining a motorway, make sure to utilise the slip road so that you can smoothly match the existing traffic of the motorway. Also signal clearly, check the mirrors and look for a gap to get into the traffic flow safely. To avoid accidents, try not to slow down the vehicle on the slip road.  

Lane discipline is the key to safe driving on busy motorways. While you are allowed to overtake in the right and middle lanes, the left lane is for normal driving. Also, make sure to keep a steady speed and allow other cars to move ahead of you. Unnecessary hogging could lead to accidents. Move to the right lane if and only when you are overtaking, and make sure to get back to the left lane once you're done. 

Tailgating leads to accidents on motorways. Make sure you comply with the two-second rule. That is to leave a two-second gap between the vehicle in the front and your own car. During winter, when the roads are icy, this should be four seconds, giving you enough time and scope to manage in case of an unexpected movement in traffic.

In case of a sudden breakdown, you need to pull the vehicle to the left as much as you can and move to the hard shoulder. If at all possible, switch on the hazard lights and exit from the left slowly. Now, call for emergency assistance using the emergency phone located along the motorway, and avoid repairing your car on your own.

Several motorways in the UK today, come with a smart motorway system. These sophisticated systems have variable speed limits, lane closures and other features for smooth management of traffic flow. Learn and familiarise yourself with these gantry signs and comply with speed limit signs.

To ensure safety on the motorway, make sure to stay focused while driving. Ensure to avoid any distractions such as eating, mobile surfing, chatting or talking over a call or adjusting the radio. If it's a long journey, you should consider taking breaks.

To ensure that your vehicle is reliable on motorways, make sure to go for regular vehicle maintenance. On-time maintenance and services will ensure that the major components like tyres, brakes, batteries, and electronic parts are in optimal condition.