Motorway Driving Road Works
Accidents can often happen at road-works when drivers fail to observe simple rules of safety. So
- reduce speed in good time when warned by the advance warning signs or flashing signals
- get into the lane indicated for use by your vehicle in good time
- obey all speed limits
- keep the correct separation distance from the vehicle ahead
- avoid sharp braking and sudden steering movements
- don't change lanes when signs tell you to stay in your lane
- don't let your concentration wander
- don't speed up until you're clear of the roadworks.
Motorway Road-Works Contraflow Systems
These are temporary systems where traffic travelling in opposite directions shares the same carriageway.
They allow traffic to keep moving during repairs or alterations on the other carriageway.
The lanes are often narrower than normal lanes. Red and white marker posts separate traffic travelling in opposite directions and fluorescent or reflective bright green/yellow studs often replace normal ones.
Note
While contraflow systems are usually found on motorways, they may also be used on other roads carrying fast-moving traffic.
Watch out for
- Lane change signs.
- Vehicles broken down ahead. Theres often no hard shoulder.
- Vehicles braking ahead - keep your distance.
Motorway Road Works Mobile Road-works
Minor maintenance work may sometimes be carried out without the need for major lane closures. Slow moving or stationary works vehicles, with a large arrow on the back of the vehicle, are used to divert traffic to the right or left as appropriate.
There are no cones or other delineators when these vehicles are being used.
Motorway Driving The Novice Driver
Driving on motorways places greater demands on the driver's skill, observation, anticipation, planning and concentration.
It's important that you get proper guidance before you attempt to drive on your own on a motorway.
If you've recently passed your test, not driven for a while, or your driving hasn't included busy fast-moving traffic, your decision-making skills might not be up to the standard needed.
So you should
- ask advice from a professional instructor who can give you valid, safe instruction
- use every chance to observe and learn as a passenger
- select fairly quiet sections of motorway to practise on
- get used to driving at 60-70mph and keeping up with the flow of the traffic.
DON'T
- drive on a motorway until you're fully prepared.
Remember
The next move you make on a motorway always has to be the right one.
Bear in mind that the vehicles on either side and behind you could weigh over 30 tonnes and be travelling at 50-60 mph or even faster.
