Motorway Driving Weather Conditions

All that is said in the section on driving in bad weather (HERE) is even more important on a motorway.


Motorway Driving Wet Weather

Visibility can be made worse because at higher speeds vehicles, especially large ones, throw up more spray. So

  • use your headlights to help other drivers see you. Don't use rear fog lights unless the visibility is less than 100 metres (328 feet)
  • always reduce your speed when conditions are poor. Driving is safer at lower speeds
  • adjust your speed to suit the conditions and leave larger separation distances, at least double the normal.

Motorway Driving Ice Or Frost

The presence of ice or frost can seriously affect your handling of the vehicle.

Try to anticipate the road surface conditions. If your steering feels light, it is an indication that there may be frost or ice. A very gentle touch on your brakes to see their response could help you judge the road surface conditions.

Allow up to ten times the distance for braking.


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Motorway Driving Crosswinds

Wind is another motorway hazard.

Winds can affect your steering. If they're coming from the left on an exposed stretch of motorway, be especially careful. A sudden gust as you pass a large vehicle, or come out from the shelter of a bridge or embankment, can send you swerving to the right.

In strong wind, drivers of high-sided vehicles, or those towing caravans, are likely to experience difficulties. Motorcyclists are also often seriously affected by strong crosswinds. Allow for this when overtaking these vehicles.


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Motorway Driving Fog

IF THERE'S FOG ON THE MOTORWAY, YOU MUST BE ABLE TO STOP WELL WITHIN THE DISTANCE YOU CAN SEE TO BE CLEAR!


  • Use dipped headlights.
  • Check your mirrors and slow down: fog affects both visibility and judgment of speed and distance.
  • Check your speedometer and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Fog can drift quickly and is often patchy.

If a motorway warning sign shows 'FOG'

  • be prepared
  • reduce speed in good time.

Unfortunately, multiple pile-ups are all too common in foggy conditions. They don't just happen. They are caused by drivers who are

  • travelling too fast
  • driving too close to the vehicle in front
  • assuming there's nothing in the fog ahead
  • ignoring the obvious!

DO

  • Switch on your fog lamps if visibility drops below 100 metres (328 feet).
  • Be prepared to leave the motorway.
  • Be on the alert for accidents ahead.
  • Watch out for emergency vehicles coming up behind, possibly on the hard shoulder.

DON'T

  • Hang on to the lights of the vehicle ahead. You'll be too close to brake if it stops suddenly.
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Motorway Driving Stopping & Parking


Motorway Driving Stopping On Motorways


You must only stop on a motorway if

  • the red lights tell you to
  • it's an emergency
  • it will prevent an accident
  • police or road signs or signals indicate you must.

You must not stop to pick up or set down anyone on any part of a motorway, including a slip road.

The Hard Shoulder

Use the hard shoulder only in an emergency.


Motorway Driving Slowing Down & Stopping

If you have to slow down or stop on the carriageway as a result of traffic congestion, switch on your hazard warning lights to warn following traffic of the obstruction ahead. Once you are sure they have been seen by following traffic, switch them off.


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Motorway Driving Parking

Service areas are the only parking places provided.

To reach the services, follow the same procedure as for a motorway exit.

Once off the motorway, slow down and be aware that a low speed will feel very different after motorway driving. Watch out for sharp turns into car parking areas.

Other drivers could fail to reduce their speed sufficiently. Once you have stopped in the car park, keep children and animals under control.

When you leave your vehicle, remember to lock it. Don't leave valuables (cameras, etc.) on view. Be a careful pedestrian.

To rejoin the motorway, follow the same procedure as when joining the motorway at any entrance.

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Motorway Driving Motorways At Night

If you've just left a well-lit service area give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.


Use your headlights

Always use your headlights, even on motorways which are lit.

Use dipped beam if you're likely to dazzle drivers ahead or oncoming drivers, particularly on a left-hand curve.


If you're dazzled

You may have to slow down, but don't brake too hard. Remember, there might be a vehicle behind.


Judging speed

It's harder to judge speed and distance both on a motorway and at night.

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Motorway Driving Reflective Studs

Red
- between hard shoulder and carriageway.
White
- between lanes.
Amber
- between edge of carriageway and central reservation.
Green
- between carriageway and slip road exit and entrances.
Bright Green/Yellow
- at contraflow systems and road works.
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