Avoid staying in another vehicle’s blind spot, especially large vehicles.
If you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you.
On the Motorway
Observation and Awareness
Because of higher speeds, you need to:
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Keep mirrors, windows, and lights clean.
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Use mirrors more frequently and look further ahead than on ordinary roads.
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Continuously scan between the road ahead, behind, and to the sides.
If you notice heavy congestion ahead, briefly use hazard warning lights to alert drivers behind you.
On the Motorway
Poor Visibility
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In daylight with poor visibility, use headlights.
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In fog below 100 metres, use fog lights in addition to headlights.
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Switch them off once visibility improves — leaving them on can dazzle others and obscure your brake lights.
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Headlight Flashing
If you need to warn other road users, flash your headlights — never rely on your horn, which may not be heard.
Driving and Braking
At high speeds:
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Brake smoothly and progressively.
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Avoid unnecessary braking — instead, ease off the accelerator to slow down gradually.
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Maintain a safe following distance to allow smooth speed adjustments.
If fitted, cruise control can help maintain a steady speed and save fuel.
You must not:
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Reverse anywhere on a motorway (including slip roads or hard shoulders).
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Cross the central reservation.
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Drive against the flow of traffic.
If you miss an exit, continue to the next one.
Defensive Driving on Motorways
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Anticipate problems early and act before they develop.
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Slow down safely and in good time.
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Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
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Be cautious when overtaking lorries — their visibility to the right is limited.
Avoid sudden braking — leave enough space to slow smoothly.
Keeping a Safe Distance
The faster the speed, the more space you need.
Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe gap.
In some areas, chevrons painted on the road help you judge the distance — keep at least two chevrons apart.
Increase this to:
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Four seconds on wet roads.
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Up to ten times more in icy conditions.
Tailgating
Tailgating (following too closely) is extremely dangerous and a common cause of serious motorway collisions.
Always keep a safe distance — it gives you time to react and protects everyone on the road.