As with all my BlogSpots my tips do not
cover every detail on the topic just the basics. For example with this Blog I do not mention
tunnels, toll plazas, breakdowns etc.
Who
can not drive on the Motorway?
L Drivers, vehicles that are slow and
cannot exceed 50 km/h, vehicles under 50 cc, cyclists, pedestrians, invalid
carriages – motorised wheelchairs and animals.
Is
your vehicle fit for the motorway?
Check your fuel, water and coolant level. Check tyre pressure and be sure that your
vehicle is capable of doing the motorway speed.
Contrary to popular belief extra tyre pressure is not needed to drive on the motorway.
Plan
your route.
Get your map out and find out what your
route numbers are. Find the the location of rest areas, service areas and lay-bys along your journey. At the bottom of all maps there is a box
which is called the Map Key. This will
let you know what each symbol means on the map. For example, P = lay-bys (lay-bys will not have any facilities other than to park up safely), A blue line = Motorway, A green line = Dual carriageway etc.
What
is the speed limit on the motorway?
120 km/h unless road markings or road
signage state otherwise.
Joining
the Motorway.
Entry to Motorway
Give way to traffic already on the
motorway. Make sure you build up your
speed sufficiently while driving in the acceleration lane before you merge with
the motorway traffic. Signal right
letting other traffic know of your intentions.
The continuation of the acceleration lane
is called a slip road/merging lane which is separated from the motorway by hatched markings (painted markings which separate traffic lanes) Avoid crossing the
continuous white line to merge with the motorway traffic. Do mirror and blind spot checks as you look
for a suitable gap to join the other traffic.
Once you are on the motorway
Continue driving straight ahead and never reverse or do a U turn. Do not stop on the hard shoulder unless in the case of an emergency, directed by a guard or directed by emergency services.
Continue driving straight ahead and never reverse or do a U turn. Do not stop on the hard shoulder unless in the case of an emergency, directed by a guard or directed by emergency services.
What
lane should I be in?
Lane 1 – (inside or left lane) This is where you should always drive unless
you are overtaking
Lane 2 – (centre lane) Use this lane when overtaking. Also it makes for safer driving if you can
enter this lane safely when approaching a slip road where traffic will be
merging from your left to join the motorway.
Lane 3 – (outside or right lane) This lane should only be used if Lane 1 &
2 are moving queues and you need to overtake making room for merging traffic.
Always make your way back to Lane 1
allowing faster traffic from behind to overtake.
Reading
the information signs on route along the motorway
Along the way you will see Motorway INFORMATION SIGNS (blue rectangular signs with white
letters)
On these signs you will be given the number
of the next exit (black square with white number) this is placed on the top
left corner of the information sign.
The next piece of information on the sign
is the number of the diverging lane.
This number will have an R before it for example R316
Another piece of information it gives is
the number of the stretch of motorway ahead.
This number will always have the letter M before it. For example M9
Leaving
the motorway.
Know what exit you want to take. If you pass your exit accidently continue on to the next exit. On approach to your exit you will see three countdown markers.
300 metres - 200 metres - 100 metres to next exit
Signal left but it is very important that you DO NOT reduce speed until you are in the deceleration lane as this would put following traffic in great danger. Once in this lane reduce speed and look out for the new speed limit.
End of Motorway
NOTE:
Signals, mirrors and blind spots must be
checked when lane changing as you would do with any change in direction. Be alert and read the road well ahead.
