Weather Conditions
Wet Weather
Wet roads and spray from other vehicles—especially large ones—can reduce visibility and grip.
To stay safe:
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Use your headlights so others can see you. Only use rear fog lights if visibility drops below 100 metres (328 feet).
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Reduce your speed—wet conditions increase stopping distances.
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Double your normal following distance to allow more time to react.
Ice or Frost
Icy or frosty roads can make your vehicle much harder to control.
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Be alert to changes in the road surface—if your steering feels light, it may mean ice is forming.
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Use your controls gently to avoid skidding.
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Allow up to ten times your usual stopping distance when braking on ice.
Strong Winds
Side winds can cause sudden changes in steering, especially on exposed stretches or when overtaking large vehicles.
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Be prepared for gusts when passing lorries, buses, or driving out from under bridges.
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High-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorcyclists are particularly affected—give them extra space when overtaking.
Fog
Fog can make motorway driving extremely dangerous.
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Use dipped headlights and reduce your speed well in advance.
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Check your mirrors and speedometer—you may be driving faster than you think.
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Keep a large gap between you and the vehicle ahead.
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If visibility drops below 100 metres (328 feet), switch on your fog lights—but remember to turn them off when visibility improves.
Be extra cautious:
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Fog can be patchy and move quickly.
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If motorway signs warn of FOG, be ready to slow down.
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Avoid “chasing” the lights of the vehicle in front—it’s easy to follow too closely.
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Be alert for incidents ahead and emergency vehicles using the hard shoulder.
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In dense fog, be prepared to leave the motorway if it’s safer to do so.