Driving on Motorways

Whatever part of National Highways’ network you’re driving on, we want you to stay safe and know what to do if anything goes wrong.

The following information has been supplied by National Highways’ who have also created a series of videos explain the main features of smart motorways, and they provide advice and guidance on safer driving and what to do in an emergency. Click here to visit the National Highways’ page which gives lots of advice on the following:

• How do smart motorways work?
• Do you know what to do when you see a red X?
• Driving Safely and understanding the Red X
• What do the traffic signals and signs do?
• What to do in an emergency
• What is you break down on a motorway?
• What do you do if you break down on a ‘live’ lane?

Take a road trip with Suzi and Ortis

In the following video, TV presenters Suzi Perry and Ortis Deley take you on a road trip along a smart motorway, explaining the system and key information that drivers need to know.

Help protect yourself and other drivers

Stay within the speed limit and keep left unless you’re overtaking. This helps to keep you and other road users safe, and to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible.

Plan ahead. Check that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy, and that you have enough fuel for your journey. Remember to plan for breaks and don’t drive when you’re tired.

If you or anyone in your vehicle is unable to follow our breakdowns advice for any reason, stay in your vehicle, keep your seatbelts and hazard warning lights on and call 999 immediately.

What to do if you break down on a motorway

Click here to visit the advice from National Highways’ on what to do if break down on a motorway.

If you get into trouble on a motorway – go left.

If your vehicle has a problem, or you get into trouble on a motorway, stay calm and try to exit at the next junction or motorway service area. If that’s not possible:

1. Put your left indicators on.
2. Move into the left lane.
3. Enter the next emergency area, or hard shoulder.
4. Put your hazard lights on.
5. Get behind a safety barrier where there is one – keep well away from moving traffic.
6. Call National Highways on 0300 123 5000, then a breakdown provider for help.

Click here to read more on Road Safety tips from National Highways’