The advice given in section 12 is even more important on a motorway.
Visibility can be made worse because, at higher speeds, vehicles (especially large ones)
throw up more spray. So
Ice or frost on the road can seriously affect your handling of the vehicle.
Try to anticipate the road surface conditions. If your steering feels light, it’s an indication that there may be frost or ice. Be very gentle with your use of the controls.
Allow up to 10 times the normal distance for braking.
Wind is another motorway hazard.
Wind can affect your steering. If it’s coming from the left on an exposed stretch of motorway, be especially careful. A sudden gust as you pass a large vehicle, or come out from under the shelter of a bridge or embankment, can send you swerving to the right.
In strong wind, drivers of high-sided vehicles or those towing caravans may experience difficulties. Motorcyclists can also be affected by strong side winds. Allow for this when overtaking these vehicles.
Driving on the motorway when the weather is foggy can be particularly hazardous.
If there’s fog on the motorway, you must be able to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear.
Fog can drift quickly and is often patchy.
If a motorway warning sign shows ‘FOG’
Multiple pile-ups can happen in foggy conditions. They’re usually caused by drivers who are
If there’s fog
REMEMBER, don’t ‘hang on’ to the lights of the vehicle ahead.
You’ll be too close to brake if it stops suddenly.