Motorways are the safest roads on which you can drive, but can be a little daunting if you’re not used to them. Unfortunately when accidents do happen on motorways they tend to be serious because of the speeds involved.

Keep Your Distance

To stay safe on motorways, you might want to consider these tips. Most importantly – keep your distance from the vehicle in front. This will give you time to stop if something happens up ahead and will also let you stop in a controlled manner, minimising the chances of the vehicle behind you (which is probably too close) running into the back of your car. Also, by keeping your distance, you’ll be able to see further ahead so you can anticipate what’s happening and therefore drive more smoothly and safely. Don’t forget that visibility is reduced and braking distances hugely increased in the wet.

One of the biggest causes of irritation and hold ups - and hence accidents - on motorways is drivers with poor lane discipline. Remember that if there’s nothing in the lane on your left you should move over, even if the lane to your right is empty for overtaking. Hogging the middle lane or outside lane is selfish and dangerous.

Keep Alert and Safe

Finally, beware of the higher speeds on motorways. If you’re not used to driving at 70 miles per hour, you’ll find things happen a lot more quickly, so look ahead and anticipate what’s happening around you.