Seeing and being seen

Make sure you start out with clean mirrors, windscreen, windows and lights. Use your Washers, wipers and demisters whenever necessary to ensure you can see clearly.

You need to use your mirrors frequently and much earlier than on normal roads. Due to the higher speeds on motorways, they are even more important.

Always try to avoid staying where you might be in another vehicles blind spot. This is Especially important when the other vehicle is a large vehicle. A good indication is if you Can't see the mirror, the driver probably won't be able to see you.

Effective observation
Keep your eyes moving between the road ahead and your mirrors, so that you always know what's happening all around you.

Continually reassess the movement of the vehicles

• Directly ahead (in the near and far distance)
• Alongside you
• Behind you.

At high speeds, situations change rapidly. Effective observation helps you prepare for any sudden developments.

For example, an increase in the number of vehicles ahead could mean that traffic is slowing down and 'bunching', a flashing breakdown light will warn you to slow down Until you're sure of what's happening.

If you see serious congestion ahead, you can use your hazard warning lights briefly to Alert drivers behind you. This can reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, especially in bad weather.

Being seen on a motorway
Because of the higher speeds, your vehicle must be seen much earlier on a motorway than on an ordinary road.

Poor daylight - In poor day light, you should use your headlights.
Fog - in fog, where visibility drops below 100 metres (328 feet), you may find it helpful to use fog lights in addition to your headlights.
You MUST switch your fog lights off when visibility improves. This is the law. They're misleading and can dazzle other drivers if left on. They may also make your brake lights less conspicuous. Headlight flashing- the level of noise is higher on a motorway, particularly in wet weather, and other road users may not be able to hear your horn.

If you think a warning is necessary, flash your headlights instead.

Watch out for such warnings intended for you.

Driving and braking

At motorway speeds, braking should normally be

• Unhurried
• Progressive

If you slow down gradually without putting your foot on the brake, it allows traffic to Move out more freely. If you are constantly touching the brake pedal and causing your brake lights to show it encourages those behind to do the same, causing braking and accelerating, so hindering smooth flow of traffic.

Following traffic at the correct distance will enable you to adjust your speed without having to constantly brake and accelerate heavily. This will aid the smooth flow of traffic.

It is when you are driving on a motorway that you may find it most useful to use cruise control if it is fitted (see page 60). This will help you to maintain a constant speed and may help you save fuel.

Drive defensively

• Anticipate problems; take avoiding action before they develop.
• Slow down in good time.
• Keep your distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Take particular care when overtaking lorries, some have poor visibility to their right.

Never brake suddenly - Defensive driving will reduce the likelihood of having to do so.

Remember; leave plenty of space between yourself and the vehicle ahead for controlled braking. Always check in your mirrors before you brake.

Keeping your distance
The faster the traffic, the more time and space you need for every driving action.

You should always

• Give yourself greater margins than on ordinary roads
• Make sure there's enough space between you and the vehicle ahead.

Traffic normally travels faster because there are usually no

• Ordinary junctions
• Sharp bends
• Roundabouts
• Steep hills
• Traffic lights.

Slow-moving vehicles are generally forbidden.
some motorway links, where motorways regulations also apply, have roundabouts and sharp bends.
How big a gap? - leave a gap of at least one metre or yard for each mph of your speed.
This rule is reinforced on some motorways where there are chevrons painted on the carriageway. Keep at least two chevrons between you and the vehicle in front.
Adverse weather - Leave at least double the space if the road is wet.

In icy conditions, you'll need up to ten times the stopping distance that you do for dry conditions.

Tailgating - this is very dangerous practice, especially on motorways, where it is often the cause of serious incidents.