Before Setting Off On A Driving Vacation You Should? The 205 Correct Answer

The Safety Margin Theory test section is about driving in conditions that affect a vehicle’s braking and handling.

It is normal for novice or novice drivers to have difficulty maintaining good safety margins compared to experienced drivers. This means learner drivers tend to have more difficulty maintaining a safe distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front.

As a learner driver, it is imperative that you always keep your own safety, that of your passengers and other road users in mind.

You can drastically reduce your chances of being involved in a traffic accident by knowing the safety margins and the possible consequences of not following them. As a learner driver, you must not get into the habit of coasting, i.e. driving in neutral or with the clutch fully depressed – the result is less control over your vehicle.

Definition of margin of safety

A safe distance is defined as the distance you must leave between your vehicle and the vehicle in front to prevent an accident if it slows down or stops suddenly. Safety distances are also referred to as separation distances. The safety margins dealt with in this section relate primarily to following and stopping distances of vehicles. A following distance is the distance that remains between your car and the vehicle in front. Stopping distances include the combined reaction time and stopping distance once you realize you need to stop.

As a learner driver, it is common for other, more experienced drivers to pressure you to drive faster and reduce your safety margins. Although difficult and a little daunting, it is important that you remain steadfast and maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you. This gives you time to recognize dangers at an early stage and to react to them.

braking distance

The driving theory test often confuses learners when it comes to the braking distance. Some questions ask for the total braking distance, others for the braking distance. The confusing part is knowing the difference between the two:

Therefore, total stopping distance is determined by the time it takes you to become aware of an impending hazard plus the time it takes to brake when you react to it.

Typical braking distances

Below is a diagram of typical stopping, thinking and braking distances according to the Highway Code.

The figures above are based on moving vehicles

With good tires and brakes

On a dry road

In good condition

The two second rule

As a rule of thumb, to maintain a good safe distance in normal-speed traffic, you should maintain a gap of at least two seconds between you and the vehicle in front.

A simple way to do this is to note a stationary object like a sign or traffic cone and wait for the vehicle in front of you to pass it. Once the vehicle has passed it, count the seconds until your vehicle passes it and adjust your speed accordingly.

In other weather conditions, this distance must be increased:

think distance

This is the distance traveled during the time it takes you to spot a hazard ahead. It’s sometimes called reaction distance and is related to your reaction time.

To find your approximate thinking distance, simply take your speed in miles per hour (mph) – your thinking distance will be that many feet. For example, if you are driving at 40 km/h, your thinking distance is 40 feet. In other words, after a hazard appears in front of you, drive another 40 feet before beginning to brake in response.

The effect of stopping distance on safety margin

As explained above, the safe distance is the distance you leave between your own vehicle and the one in front of you to ensure you have enough space and time to stop your own vehicle safely if it suddenly needs to stop or slow down.

The safety distance must be greater behind long vehicles and motorcycles. This is because these types of vehicles require more space to stop – they have longer stopping distances.

Additionally, driving behind these vehicles means you need to be aware of the strong winds as well as the potential hazards they can create. Long vehicles have large surfaces and motorcycles are light, meaning these vehicles are particularly vulnerable to being thrown off track in high winds. Here, too, you must plan for a greater safety distance.

Long vehicles can also block your view of the road ahead, so you may not see hazards developing behind the vehicle in front if you are too close. Likewise, the driver of the long vehicle may not be able to see you, another potential hazard if you are too close to the rear of the vehicle. So that you can see and be seen, back away from the long vehicle and increase your safe distance.

weather conditions

To compensate for inclement or inclement weather, you need to extend your safety margins.

When it rains, the safe distance you would use on a dry day should be doubled between you and the vehicle in front. In icy conditions, your braking distance is 10 times the braking distance on a clear day, so the distance needs to be 10 times that. Let’s apply this to the two-second rule for a clear day: rain uses a four-second rule; ice uses a 22 second rule.

Many motorists ignore these guidelines, including the lower speed limits on freeways in inclement weather. However, it is important that you follow this advice for your own safety and that of other road users around you.

heavy rain

Aquaplaning is when a vehicle’s tires lift off the road and skid over the surface of water that collects on the surface, making steering light. This can happen during or after heavy rains, leaving a lot of water on the road surfaces.

In case of aquaplaning:

Take your foot off the accelerator

Wait for your steering to feel normal before braking

You should always test your brakes after driving through deep water, such as B. a flooded area or fording a river. To dry them, you may need to lightly press the brake pedal while continuing on the road.

Rear-end collisions are the most common accidents between vehicles.1 They occur when drivers do not have enough time to perceive and react safely to slowing or stationary traffic. Increasing your following distance gives you time to react when someone in front of you brakes.

The three second rule

Increasing the distance between you and the vehicle in front can give you the time it takes to identify a hazard and respond safely. The Alberta Motor Association recommends a minimum following distance of three seconds.2

Determining the three-second interval is relatively easy. When following a vehicle, choose a road sign, tree, or other roadside marker. Note when the vehicle in front passes that mark, then see how many seconds it takes (count from 1 to 1000; 2 to 1000; 3 to 1000) to pass the same spot. If it’s not at least three seconds, give yourself more room and increase your following distance.

Remember to track distances in time, not space. With a default value of 2.5 seconds, highway engineers use time, rather than distance, to represent how long it takes for a driver to perceive and respond to hazards. The National Safety Council also uses this standard (plus a little extra for safety) when recommending the three-second rule for social distancing. 3

DRIVER SAFETY TIPS: THE S.I.P.D.E. METHOD OF DECISION MAKING

SCAN, IDENTIFY,

Tool

PREDICT, DECIDE, EXECUTE

Driving within the Highway Transportation System requires constant mental alertness and scanning skills. Your visual scanning skills and ability to make split-second decisions can affect your driving safety.

SCAN: What are you looking for?

Scanning skills and defensive driving skills are learned. They don’t come naturally. Just as learning any skill requires training and practice, driving is no different. An inexperienced driver will not scan the roadway like an experienced driver. You must train your eyes to scan the environment for visual cues. You need to focus and be aware of the visual scanning skills.

Scanning allows you to be prepared for the unexpected

1A SCAN: You look ahead 18-20 seconds (1/4 mile), come back to 9-12 seconds, then 4-8 seconds. What are you searching for?

IDENTIFY: Identify hazards

You identify potential dangers and conflicts as you scan the road ahead.

PREDICT: Reading the actions of others

When approaching potential danger or conflict, predict the worst-case scenario.

DECIDE: determine in good time how to react

You determine the best course of action, changing your path of movement, your speed or your position in order to best avoid the possible upcoming conflict.

EXECUTE: Execute this maneuver in advance

After we determine the best course of action and avoid the conflict completely.

This is the essence of defensive driving! Plan ahead, react in time.

Without this mental awareness and readiness, you will rush into the situation and be forced to act defensively to protect yourself.

A crash happens in 3 seconds, you prevented a possible conflict with your defensive driving technique.

The other vehicle or the driver may not even be aware of this process that you have gone through.

The other driver benefits from your safe driving skills.

The SIPDE defense method is an active decision-making process, not a passive, careless attitude. sive dr

Defensive driving is not a lazy, unresponsive driving technique.

Driving without SIPDE is only to pay attention to your own vehicle and its maneuvers!

Defensive driving is an active, planned interaction with other road users. It takes practice and conscious training to be a good defensive driver.

#SIPDE #defensivedriving #safedriving #driverimprovement #safedrivingtips #visualscanning #scanning #predicting, #executingintime

Driving is a challenge because you have to do many tasks at the same time. You have to control the vehicle, watch the road and off-road areas, read signs and watch out for sudden actions of other drivers.

As younger drivers, you probably have good reflexes, especially if you’re an athlete or know certain video games. However, good reflexes alone do not make you a safe driver.

You must develop visual skills, decision making skills and vehicle handling skills to become a safe driver.

Have you ever heard of the SIPDE procedure?

The SIPDE process is short for Search, Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute.

SIPDE is a five-step process that includes:

SEARCH the roadway and off-road area 20 to 30 seconds (about a block to a block and a half) ahead for information that may help you plan your itinerary. Use a systematic search pattern to gather information. First scan the road ahead, then to the sides, then check your rear and side mirrors. IDENTIFY objects or conditions 12-15 seconds in advance that could affect your itinerary. To recognize important information as a driver, you have to do more than just LOOK. You have to think about what you are looking for; Things like stalled cars on the side of the road, pedestrians waiting to cross the street, and cars tailgating behind you are important pieces of information. PREDICT what actions or changes in conditions on or near the roadway could increase your risk level. Try to predict what you would do under certain circumstances while scanning the road and seeing the positions of vehicles and pedestrians. For example, a speeding car behind you may not stop. You have to think – before the car hits you – to make a decision to change lanes to avoid an accident. DECIDE 4 to 5 seconds in advance what action to take (e.g. slow down, accelerate, brake or swerve) to control or reduce the risk. Once you have identified a potential threat, you can decide how best to minimize the risk of a collision. Remember that in most situations you have a choice of action, e.g. B. change lanes to avoid a rear-end collision or take the ditch to the right instead of suffering a head-on collision. Implement your decision. The last step is to implement the decision made. In most cases, executing a decision is simply a routine maneuver.

Practicing the SIPDE process during your driver training process will help new drivers become smarter and more defensive drivers. If you have a new teenage driver and want to make their training behind the wheel less stressful and more successful,

Click on the link below to watch our groundbreaking DVD, Roadworthy – A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Teens to Drive: 12 Lessons to Keep Your Teen Alive Behind the Wheel.

The traffic rules and signals posted on each road are designed to help drivers anticipate the actions of other drivers and navigate the roads safely. While it is vital for all drivers to obey traffic laws and do their best to remain alert and responsible while operating their vehicles, drivers can use a few other tips to reduce their risk of being involved in an accident.

Rear-end collisions are among the most commonly reported types of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. These accidents occur whenever a driver does not leave a sufficient distance between his vehicle and the vehicle in front of him. Therefore, when the vehicle ahead slows down or stops, the vehicle behind may not have time or space to avoid a collision with the rear end of the vehicle ahead.

The “three second rule” is a good idea that all drivers should keep in mind. While this rule is flexible and not always appropriate in every driving situation, it can encourage good driving habits that reduce the risk of rear-end collisions and related accidents.

Your—Vision is the total area you can see around you while looking straight ahead

Long car journeys can be the prelude to a fun vacation or a cross-country move. While a long journey can be fun, it requires careful planning to ensure everything goes as planned. Here’s how to plan your road trip to have fun!

How to prepare for a long journey

There are ways you can prepare for your trip, such as: B. Make sure your car is ready to go, get enough rest and pack a selection of snacks. Whether you’re on a long drive for pleasure or for work, these tips can help you get to your destination safely.

1. Prepare your vehicle

One of the first things you should do before setting out on a road trip is to make sure your vehicle is up to date on all maintenance work. Depending on how long your car journey is, you may exceed the mileage for your next oil change. If that will be the case, start your ride with a fresh oil change. You should also check all of your fluids such as windshield wiper fluid, engine coolant and brake fluid. Don’t forget to check the tire tread and wiper blades as well.

2. Plan your route

Although you know where your ultimate goal is, there are many ways to reach it. Longer car journeys offer the opportunity to see more sights along the way that you would not normally see. Make a stop at a national park or museum for a fun way to break up your drive.

You can also plan to avoid high-traffic areas near cities at certain times of the day. Just don’t try to pack too much into one day of travel and exhaust yourself for the rest of the trip. If you are planning a budget road trip, you can find gas stations and hotels that offer reward points for additional savings.

3. Pack everything you need

Load your vehicle with everything you need for the trip and avoid unnecessary stops. Try to make a list ahead of time so you don’t have to remember everything you need at the last minute. Make sure you have a vehicle maintenance kit, plenty of snacks, and entertainment. If you plan on using your phone for all your entertainment, it’s a good idea to download your audiobooks, music, or podcasts ahead of time in case you run into a service dead zone.

4. Get plenty of rest

If possible, sleep eight hours the night before you leave, even if it means going to bed very early. Stop frequently so you can take breaks to stay alert. If you have multiple people in the car, change drivers every few hours or when signs of fatigue appear. Do not drive when you are drowsy, especially if you are driving alone.

5. Prepare for bad weather

One thing to always keep in mind is the weather on your road trip route, especially depending on the time of year. Be on the lookout for a national weather report to monitor the areas you drive through for severe storms such as blizzards, thunderstorms and even tornadoes that could delay your trip. You may need to take an unplanned day off due to road conditions, especially in winter when roads are impassable.

Be safe on your long car journey

Follow these tips and not only will you have fun on your road trip, you’ll finish your trip in one piece. Sign up for a driving class at DriversEd.com to learn more ways to drive safely on your journey. You will learn all the traffic rules and you may get an insurance discount in the process.

Take your traffic school or defensive driving course online today! learn more

If you are planning a road trip, be sure to follow these road trip tips to ensure you reach your destination safely and comfortably.

You need to plan your road trip ahead of time, and we’re not just talking about packing. “Highway hypnosis” is rampant when travelers have not prepared for the endurance demands of a long journey. In fact, more than 60 percent of drivers say they’ve gotten behind the wheel while sleepy, according to a survey by mattress retailer Sleepy’s.

With that statistic in mind, you should take steps to prepare for long drives before you get behind the wheel—and stay alert and energized throughout the drive. These long journey tips will help.

1. Get plenty of sleep before your ride

Think about fatigue before you start your journey, not after. Before the road trip, get at least seven hours of sleep for two consecutive nights to build up your energy reserves. It’s best to start in the morning after a good night’s sleep, not after a long, hard day’s work (unless you plan to quit). Take regular breaks along the way to stay fresh and alert, stopping about every 100 miles or two hours. “Also avoid driving between 1 and 3 p.m. when body temperature is lower and people are naturally sleepy,” says The Sleep Doctor, Dr. Michael Breus.

2. Bring healthy road trip snacks

Carrying a variety of vitamin-packed, healthy foods means you can make do with smaller snacks during the long drive while skipping the fast-food stops. “To stay alert, carrots and almonds are my favorites,” says blogger and travel expert Gretchen Breuner, author of The RoadScholarz: Lessons from the Scenic Route.

3. Stay hydrated

Keep the water supply well stocked for maximum energy. “Obviously, one possible downside of this is that you have to make more bathroom stops,” says Breuner, who traveled 19 states in three months with her family in an RV. To learn more about what to pack on a road trip, check out this list of essential items and tools to keep in your car.

4. Plan your breaks

One of the top tips for road trips is to get out of the car and stretch your legs every two hours, our experts suggest. Plan these stops into your long drive, whether they fall around meal times or can be timed to see places of interest.

5. Chew gum

The repetitive process increases circulation and alertness. “You don’t need the sugary kind to get the desired effect,” says Breus, fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and author of Good Night: The Sleep Doctor’s 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health.

6. Use stimulating scents

For long-distance trips, Breus also recommends keeping a peppermint scent source nearby. If you feel like you need a boost, sniff. “It’s a pleasant, all-natural pick-me-up that’s been shown to reduce fatigue and increase alertness,” he says.

7. Sit up straight

Make sure your seat is properly adjusted for your body and tilted for maximum blood flow. When you feel a driving “trance” set in, sit up. “Take deep breaths and scan your body for tension,” says yoga teacher and wellness specialist Elaine Masters, author of Drivetime Yoga: Yoga Benefits in the Convenience of Your Car. “For example, if your right hip hurts, lean on the other side.”

8. Entertain passengers

Long car journeys – especially with children – can often lead to arguments. This type of aggravation leads to driver fatigue. So make sure kids are entertained with books, puzzles, and other time-wasting distractions. On the other hand, road trip games like find the license plate are great for keeping everyone engaged.

9. Listen to audio books

Audio books help keep the brain active without creating a dangerous distraction. Breus recommends listening to humorous books or even comedy CDs. “Laughter,” he says, “keeps you awake.”

These long journey tips can help keep you and your car safe on the road. For more defensive driving tips, check out these 9 safe driving habits.

Along with safe driving habits, your insurance policy is key to protecting you while driving. Learn more about Nationwide auto insurance coverage, including our 24/7 roadside assistance option.

Car care checklist for summer road trips

It’s time for a car vacation. You’ve mapped a route, booked hotels, and made a checklist of things you need to do before you set off. AAA reminds you to also make car maintenance a part of your summer travel preparation. Use this car care checklist to ensure your vehicle is ready for summer driving.

1. Check tires and tire pressure

Figure 1. Monthly tire pressure checks are an important part of vehicle maintenance. (AAA image)

Check all four tires and, if you have one, the spare wheel. Look for cuts, gouges, or sidewall dents. Insert a quarter upside down into the grooves to check tire tread. When you see George Washington’s crown, it’s time for new tires. Check the tire pressures when the car has been idling and the tires are cool. Inflate as needed to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find it in the owner’s manual and on the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. Do not use the number on the tire sidewall.

2. Hear and feel the brakes

If you hear a grinding noise or feel vibrations when braking, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection. A service professional will check the brake system for fluid leaks, as well as the pads, rotors, shoes and drums. If a repair or replacement is required, use the Repair Cost Calculator to predict the cost.

3. Backup and test the battery

Figure 2. AAA Mobile Battery Service conducts a curbside battery test. (AAA image)

Check the car battery to make sure the wire connections are clean and tight and the fasteners are secure. Have a service technician check the battery to determine the remaining capacity. AAA members can request a free battery check.

4. Add engine oil and other fluids

Figure 3. Fluid levels must be correct for safe vehicle operation. (AAA image)

Check that engine oil, coolant, and brake, transmission, and power steering fluids are at the proper levels for safe vehicle operation. When topping up liquids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the instruction manual. Note that newer car models may have sealed automatic transmissions with no dipstick and electric power steering that may not use fluid.

5. Replace wiper blades and top up washer fluid

Figure 4. Good wiper blades are essential for a clear view. (AAA image)

Squeegee blades naturally age over time. If the wipers streak or do not clean the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with fluid formulated to remove insects and other debris and test that the nozzles are spraying adequately.

6. Check belts and hoses

Figure 5. A comparison of multi-ribbed belts after 100,000 miles. Both need replacing, but the newer EPDM rubber belt shows no wear like the older part. (Courtesy of Gates

Reinforced rubber drive belts drive the engine water pump and accessories like the alternator and air conditioning compressor, so inspect and replace any cracks, glazing or fraying. Note that modern multi-ribbed or power transmission belt materials do not show any easily visible signs of wear. Typically replace the drive belts every 60,000 miles. Inspect and replace worn, brittle, bulging, or excessively soft radiator hoses. Check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump.

7. Keep the air conditioner cool

Take a test drive with the air conditioner running. If you notice a decrease in cooling performance, take the car to an auto repair shop for diagnosis. Also have the cabin filter checked and replaced if necessary.

8. Replenish the supplies of the emergency kit

AAA recommends keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Included are a flashlight and extra fresh batteries, first aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable human and pet snacks, car battery jumper cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves, and a shop rag or paper towels.

9. Plan ahead for vehicle service

In the event that you need vehicle maintenance, you should know ahead of time where you can find a car repair shop and a technician you trust. Use AAA.com/Repair to access the AAA network of nearly 7,000 authorized auto repair shops. Each shop meets AAA standards of service and customer satisfaction. AAA members receive discounts on auto repairs, an extended 24-month/24,000-mile warranty on parts and labor, and assistance in resolving repair-related issues.

So that other drivers can exit ahead of you

Allow motorists to overtake you on the right

So that other road users know what you are planning

Explanation: If you want to turn right onto a side street, take your position in good time. Move to the middle of the street if it’s safe to do so. This allows you to be overtaken by vehicles on the left. Early planning shows other road users what you intend to do.

If you plan to turn right into a side street ahead, you should take up an appropriate position in good time. This allows other road users to better understand your intentions, whether they are driving towards you or behind you. You should move to the middle of the street when it’s safe to do so. Check your mirrors carefully and also consider the traffic coming your way. This is a convenient position as following cars can overtake you on the left if the road is wide enough. They will also know not to attempt to overtake you on the right, as your position indicates that you intend to turn right soon.

Question about the theory test

Have you tried answering the sample theory test question above? Let’s consider each of the possible answers in turn:

So that other road users know what you are planning

Right! Early planning allows you to safely show other road users your intentions. They can also safely overtake you on the left if the road is wide enough, knowing they shouldn’t try to overtake you on the right.

To get a better view of the road you are about to embark on

Not correct! You may or may not get a better view of the road by changing your position on the road. However, you should take the right position in good time to draw the attention of other road users to your intentions. Safe driving should always be your primary focus.

Allow motorists to overtake you on the right

Not correct! If you intend to make a right ahead, it is important that your road position does not tempt following drivers to overtake you on the right. If someone were to overtake you while making a right turn, it would likely cause an accident.

So that other drivers can exit ahead of you

Not correct! Given the appropriate street position, there would be room for people who could safely drive onto the road without swerving in front of you. Your focus should also be on safely performing your own maneuver.

references

Section 8 of the official DVSA guide to driving states:

Use the MSM/PSL routine on approach. Street Position Position yourself early before turning right. It helps other drivers know what you’re up to.

Position yourself as close to the middle of the street as possible so vehicles can pass to your left if there is space. Be aware of parked vehicles or obstacles on the right side of the road.

If necessary, change to the right-hand side of the street on a one-way street. Approach speed Adjust your speed in time.

Approach at a safe speed. Oncoming traffic Be aware of oncoming traffic, especially motorcycles and bicycles, which are less visible.

Pay particular attention to vehicles overtaking oncoming traffic.

Stop before turning if in doubt about safe crossing. Exiting Vehicles Watch out for vehicles waiting to exit the side road. Pedestrians Give way to pedestrians who are already crossing the side street. You have priority. Obstacles Be careful of anything that could prevent you from safely exiting the secondary road and could endanger you on the wrong side of the road.

You MUST NOT cross to the other side of the center line until you are sure you can safely enter the side road. Turning Check your mirrors one last time for overtaking traffic before turning. Don’t cut the corner

speed up hard. Your motor should only pull when you turn. Missed Turn If you miss a turn, don’t cause a problem by stopping suddenly. Pass the intersection and make a U-turn at the next safe opportunity.

Rule 179 of the Highway Code states:

Before turning right, you should use your mirrors to ensure you know the position and movement of traffic behind you

turn right

Position yourself just left of center lane or in the space marked for right-turn traffic

If possible, leave room for other vehicles to pass on the left. You should turn right

Save on computer

IF YOU’VE EVER got stuck behind a junk dealer in the middle lane of a freeway, or been intimidated by an aggressive driver who nearly swapped paintwork with your rear bumper, you might be a big fan of new powers being given to police to deal with careless drivers to jibe.

Find and buy your next car at Driving.co.uk

Practices such as tailgating, crossing lanes, cutting up other drivers, or using a cell phone now all result in immediate fines and penalty points. Previously, the police could only deal with such offenses by issuing a court summons and taking their case to the courts.

The argument for the new powers is that they will save time and money and reduce the more obvious examples of “negligent driving”.

However, when it comes to motorway driving, there is no mandatory hands-on training for motorists, so gaps in knowledge are the order of the day.

In fact, in the UK drivers are only allowed to venture onto a motorway after passing a practical test (although this law is currently under review). Only if you have a full driving license can further tuition, including motorway driving lessons, be arranged with a qualified driving instructor.

More often than not, it’s advice from friends and family that makes for a highway etiquette driving lesson

Should you decide not to take the test and take lessons on the motorway – and it is perfectly legal to do so – you can contact the Highway Code to find out about the do’s and don’ts of motorway driving.

More often than not, however, it’s advice from friends and family that makes up a driver’s education in highway etiquette.

Questions like “Should I signal when reversing into an inside lane?” and even “What are the three lanes for?” are all too often governed by friends rather than the official rulebook.

An example of how this approach is failing drivers was a recent AA study showing that 9% of 18-24 year old drivers thought lane one was the “truck lane” while 5% thought it is the “acceleration/deceleration stripe”.

So here is our guide to driving on the Autobahn. Young drivers may find it indispensable, while experienced motorists can only learn something.

How to get on the Autobahn

Normally, one enters a freeway via a slip road. On it, accelerate to a speed consistent with freeway traffic, as this will make it easier for you to get in the flow. Slowing down because you’re nervous won’t help; In fact, that makes it more difficult.

Make sure you give way to traffic on the Autobahn. Check your mirrors and look over your right shoulder. Then indicate if you have identified a gap. Board only where the dotted white lines begin. Do not cross solid white lines.

Move to the left lane of the freeway and stay there until slower traffic can be safely passed. Sometimes the ramp becomes the left lane of a freeway, so just stay in that lane.

Stay left

The traffic regulations are very clear. It says: “Always drive in the left lane when the lane is clear.”

To the 9% of young drivers identified in the AA survey: The left lane is definitely not just for trucks and it is not an acceleration/deceleration lane.

The middle and right lanes are then for overtaking. See below for more overtaking advice, but once you’ve completed your maneuver and it’s safe, switch back to the left lane. As mentioned above, the police can now stop you for hijacking the middle lane and it will cost you a fine and points on your driver’s license.

Sometimes freeways add a fourth lane. This confuses many, but the rule still applies – keep left unless overtaking.

If you have a trailer or truck, be warned: you may not use the right lane.

Did we mention you have to keep to the left?

overtaking

You should only overtake on the right of other cars unless you’re crawling into a traffic jam. Before you do this, check your mirrors and make sure they can be pulled out safely. Look over your right shoulder and check your blind spot. Many drivers don’t do this, but it’s important if you want to avoid hitting a hidden car or motorcycle.

When you are sure it is clear, state your intention to withdraw before doing so. Don’t sit and signal if you’re being passed yourself – this is likely to alarm the car or cars on your right. Remember, mirror first, then blink, then maneuver. So wait until there is a safe gap before indicating your intention or starting to change lanes.

Clear the display when you have completed the maneuver.

Once you’ve overtaken and gained a safe distance from the car in the left lane, check your mirrors and left blind spot, and if it’s safe, signal before getting back into lane. You should always signal when changing lanes unless there is no traffic in sight – there is little point in not signaling anyone.

Stick to the speed limit

If we’re being honest, many drive at around 77-80mph on the freeway. Some even go to 90mph or more. But anyone who exceeds the 70 km/h speed limit is breaking the law. The Highway Code states that the speed limit is the “absolute maximum speed” you are allowed to travel at and you must not exceed it. In poor conditions such as rain, snow or fog, you should drive at a slower, safer speed.

Also, be aware of warning signs that call for a mandatory, permanent, or temporary speed limit that may be enforced based on traffic conditions ahead. And be aware that the speed limit isn’t 110 km/h for everyone – it’s 100 km/h for those towing a caravan or trailer and for vehicles over 7.5 tons.

Leave a safe gap

No one wants to stuff their car into the back of another, but drivers still drive too close together. If the car in front suddenly has to brake, the rear gate gets an answer to the eternal question: “Are my airbags working at all?”

The Road Traffic Act advises always maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front and increasing the distance on wet, icy roads or in fog. This means you have enough space to stop safely if the car in front suddenly slows down or stops. Under normal conditions, that’s at least two seconds, and twice that on wet roads. If it’s freezing, leave even more space between the cars.

know the signs

Signage on a highway warns of hazards such as fog, spills, or road works. When the signal is on the median, it applies to all lanes, while signals on bridges can apply to individual lanes.

Flashing amber lights on signs warn of an impending hazard and may indicate a temporary speed limit. Adjust your speed and watch out for hazards until you pass a no-flash signal or see the OK sign.

If you see flashing red lights on an overhead bridge and a red “X”, it is illegal to go beyond the sign in that lane. Recognize this on a sign on the median and it applies to all lanes.

A white diagonal arrow above you indicates that you should change lanes in the indicated direction.

When to use the hard shoulder

It is illegal to use the hard shoulder except in an emergency such as a vehicle breakdown or when directed to do so by signage, uniformed traffic officers or the police.

If the police want to stop your vehicle, they will sound their blue lights, headlights, horn or siren, usually from behind, and tell you to stop. It’s illegal not to stop, so do so as soon as it’s safe. Then turn off your engine.

If you break down and have to pull over on the shoulder, do not wait in the car – the shoulder is a dangerous place and you could be hit or hit by another vehicle, including heavy goods vehicles. Instead, disembark and wait on the other side of the security barrier. Don’t try to set up a warning triangle; move to a safe area as soon as possible.

In some traffic management situations, the hard shoulder may be converted into a lane, but this is evident as a speed limit sign is placed over all open lanes, including the hard shoulder.

hazard lights

You can use your car’s hazard lights on a freeway, but only if you need to warn following drivers of an obstacle.

exit the highway

Most of the time, you leave the Autobahn via a slip road. Watch out for signs saying you are approaching your exit and make sure you are in the left lane well before the intersection. Turn left in good time and, if necessary, reduce your speed as soon as you are on the driveway.

Be careful – after driving at 110 km/h, 50 km/h seems a lot slower, but it’s still fast. Check the speedometer to make sure you’re driving at a safe speed and watch out for sharp turns on the driveway; They’re fairly common, especially on connecting roads.

other rules

There are a number of other rules and laws/policies change over time. For the full set of current regulations, see the Highway Code section of the Gov.uk website.

The Brake and Direct Line survey also shows that 95% of drivers are sometimes concerned that vehicles are driving too close behind them.

Simon Sheldon-Wilson, Highways Agency Traffic Management Director, says:

Safety is our top priority and we are committed to further reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. It is estimated that congestion on our roads costs the economy £3 billion a year and a quarter of that is caused by the 430,000 incidents we deal with each year. 14% of traffic accidents on our roads are caused by tailgating. That’s why we’re reminding people to play it safe and stay at least 2 seconds away from the car in front.

Lesley Young, Chief Driving Examiner for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency said:

Adequate braking distance is crucial to staying safe, especially in fast-moving traffic when you have less time to react. Always wait at least 2 seconds for the vehicle in front, at least twice that in poor conditions. Otherwise, there could be tragic consequences. When in doubt, remember the saying “Only a fool breaks the 2-second rule”. In dry conditions, drivers are advised to maintain a 2-second gap between themselves and the vehicle in front. A simple way to do this is to remember that only a fool breaks the 2-second rule.

The 2 second rule

When the car ahead passes a fixed point, e.g. a sign or bridge, start saying “Only a fool breaks the 2 second rule” at normal speed.

Pronouncing the sentence takes about 2 seconds. So if you pass the same fixed point before you’ve finished saying it, you’re too close and should leave more room.

In wet conditions, this distance should be at least doubled. In icy conditions it has to be increased even further.

If you’re tailgating, you should:

Take your foot off the accelerator

move to the inside lane when safe to do so – make sure to apply the two-second rule to any vehicle you’re moving behind

Riders are reminded that it is their responsibility to ride in accordance with the conditions at all times.

Motorways in England have fewer fatalities than comparable roads in Europe, despite being busier overall. But they are prone to disruption when vehicles break down, crash or lose their cargo.

This video, presented by Sophie Raworth, explains more about the dangers of tailgating.

Stay safe, keep moving – 2 second rule

The Highways Agency urges all drivers to use their information services to plan their journeys, ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and ensure they have enough fuel for their journeys before heading out.

General Inquiries

Citizens should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Media Inquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

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Explanation: Unless exempted, you and your passengers must wear a seat belt (or appropriate child restraint system). The seat belts in your car must be in good condition and working properly; They are checked during the TÜV test.

Category: Security and your vehicle

References: The Official DVSA Guide to Driving: Section 2, The Official DVSA Guide to Driving: Section 14, Highway Code: Page 128