Staying safe on motorways and dual carriageways

· Plan ahead, stay alert, leave room - and make early, predictable decisions.

· Never stop in a live lane unless it is unavoidable.

· If your vehicle develops a problem, aim for a service area, exit, lay-by, hard shoulder or emergency area; use hazard warning lights and seek help promptly.

1. How should I prepare before a journey?

Check fuel or charge, tyres, lights, windscreen wash and your route before setting off. A little preparation reduces the temptation to rush, make late manoeuvres or drive on when tired.

Secure luggage and ensure everyone is belted.

Rest properly: fatigue reduces concentration and judgement, especially on long or late journeys.

Set navigation, music and climate controls before moving, rather than while travelling. Expect delays, lane closures and changing weather.

2. What is the safest lane discipline?

Keep left unless overtaking or directed otherwise by signs. Move back left promptly after passing, without cutting in.

Use mirrors, signal in good time and check blind spots before changing lane.

Avoid weaving between lanes to gain small advantages.

On dual carriageways, be especially alert at junctions, slips roads and gaps in central reservations.

Good lane discipline makes your intentions clear and gives every driver more time and space to react.

3. How much distance should I leave?

Maintain at least a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead in good conditions; double it on wet roads and increase it further in poor visibility, ice, spray or darkness.

Do not rely on brake lights alone—look well ahead for developing traffic conditions. A safe gap gives you time to ease off rather than brake sharply, reducing the risk of a rear-end collision and helping traffic flow more smoothly.

4. How do I manage speed safely?

Drive at a speed appropriate to the limit, traffic, weather, visibility and your vehicle - not simply at the maximum permitted speed.

Observe variable limits and lane-control signals immediately; they may warn of congestion, an incident or people working ahead.

Slow gradually and avoid harsh braking. Never use the hard shoulder to bypass queues unless signs specifically permit it.

Speed limits are ceilings, not targets. Weather and/or road conditions can demand a lower speed.

5. What should I do if I feel tired?

Take tiredness seriously. If you yawn repeatedly, struggle to focus, miss signs or cannot recall recent miles, stop as soon as safely possible at a service area or other proper rest location.

Do not try to solve fatigue with open windows, loud music or willpower; these are not substitutes for sleep.

Take a proper break, and if necessary arrange alternative travel or an overnight stop.

Never stop on the hard shoulder simply to rest.

6. What if my vehicle breaks down?

Try to leave the carriageway at the next exit, service area, lay-by, hard shoulder or emergency area. Use hazard warning lights.

If you can safely leave the vehicle, exit on the left-hand side and wait behind a barrier, well away from traffic; do not attempt roadside repairs or place a warning triangle on a motorway.

If stranded in a live lane and unable to leave safely, stay in the vehicle with your seat belt on, use hazard lights and call 999 immediately.

7. How should I respond to an incident ahead?

Ease off early, increase your following distance and watch for stopped traffic, emergency vehicles, debris or people near the road.

Follow overhead signs, red X lane closures and instructions from emergency services.

Never drive in a lane marked with a red X, even if it appears clear.

Do not stop to look, film or use a phone.

At an incident, predictable driving and space around your vehicle help protect responders and everyone else.

8. What if I see a wrong-way driver?

Thankfully, incidents involving vehicles travelling the wrong way are extremely rare. However, treat any such sighting as an emergency.

Stay calm, slow progressively and create as much distance as possible; do not swerve suddenly, chase, flash headlights aggressively or try to block the vehicle.

Focus on controlling your own vehicle and avoiding danger.

When safe - preferably after leaving the carriageway or using hands-free - call 999. State the road, your direction, nearest junction or marker, the vehicle’s direction, description, registration if safely known, and its last location.

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