11. MOTORWAYS.
'THE EASY PART OF DRIVING BETTER, IS DECIDING THAT WE SHALL IMPROVE'.
Motorways are the safest of all roads. Without distractions, more thought can be given to driving in a straight line; in short, more concentration can be applied. Without all the modern aids, like lighting, drivers would have to reduce speed and travel at a pace at which they can see where they are travelling. It is the ability of being able to see which governs safety, or lack of, on any road. A driver might be able to travel from 'A to B' but any driver can not be blind! With impaired vision, the best driver in the land is reduced to a novice.
The M6 motorway played host to the most horrific carnage on the night of November 5th in 1965. How could this tragedy occur on the safest type of road in the land? In simple terms, the drivers were not looking where they were travelling, they had become complacent. They had ignored the 'GOLDEN' rule which must be applied at all times. Also, drive according to the weather conditions. Always.
Keep your head and eyes on the target area; let the incidental details catch the corners of your eyes. Master the art of absorbing the information both in front and behind, in the mirror, at the same time - anticipate and identify early all possible dangers.
Entering upon a motorway is important and because the 'Highway Code' states that a driver must 'give way' to traffic on the motorway, it never occurs to drivers that, possibly, they may have to stop. 'Filter in turn' answers the problem. 'Give way' precedes the most boorish antics of ignorant drivers who force their way onto the motorway oblivious of their obligations. See figures A & B on page 101 in 1288.
Initially it is imperative that all drivers acclimatise themselves with their surroundings, and pace, before increasing speed. Never perform a 'circus act' dominating all lanes regardless of any other road user.
Figure 20 G & H, staggered positions and looking ahead, page 106 in 1288, will offer more safety advise than a driver will understand in many a long year.
Exiting the motorway is equally important and figures 20 I & J tell the full story. One picture is worth a thousand words!
'Opportunity to improve should never be lost, time is short.'