Tips on motorway driving

In light of the government's announcement that it plans to open up 500 miles of hard shoulder to traffic during congestion, we present a list of safety tips to help you drive on the hard shoulder and use the motorways safely.

Motorways including the M42, M3 and M4 coming into London, the M4 and M5 around Bristol, and the M3 and M27 approaching Southampton will be part of the scheme, which will see the hard shoulder opened up to traffic during peak times or heavy congestion.

Green Flag is reminding drivers of the safety implications of driving on the motorway, opening up the hard shoulder to traffic and the correct use of the hard shoulder in normal conditions.

Says Dan Robinson, Head of Green Flag: "It is imperative that motorists are aware of the rules of using the hard shoulder. The hard shoulder should not become a default additional lane for drivers to use as and when they please. The hard shoulder is there for use in emergency situations and is a dangerous place to be stranded.

"Incorrect use of hard shoulder running lanes by motorists who are unsure of the rules or who are rushing to get from A to B could have severe implications for road safety, especially during dangerous road and weather conditions, such as fog, which can seriously impair motorists' reactions."

"Hard shoulder running lanes should only be used during peak times to ease congestion in slow moving traffic, where roads are closely monitored and only in good weather conditions."

Top Tips on Motorway Driving

• Plan ahead - Make sure you know which junctions you need. Never check a map on the move.

• Obey speed limits - and be aware of lower limits imposed due to congestion, weather or road works.

• Go slower - In bad weather, always use fog lights in fog. Don't try to keep up with the car ahead.

• Leave a gap - Always ensure that there is at least two seconds between you and the car in front. Leave at least four seconds in bad weather.

• Keep to the left lane - Unless overtaking, keep to the left.

• Take a break - Every two hours, take a break for at least 15 minutes.

Using the hard shoulder

• Use the hard shoulder lane to decelerate before stopping as far to the left as possible, preferably near an emergency telephone.

• Take care to look out for any debris on the hard shoulder that could damage your vehicle.

• Turn your front wheels towards the grass verge.

• Turn on your hazard lights along with sidelights in the dark or when visibility is poor. However, do NOT display a red triangle or other warning device as with fast moving traffic, the risks outweigh the benefits.

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