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On the road , Costs and money , Safety and breakdowns · Updated 2026-10-18

Good habits for motorway driving

Motorways are statistically among the safer roads, because traffic goes in one direction and there are no junctions or oncoming cars. But speeds are high, mistakes are costly and long hours behind the wheel make people tired. Good habits matter more here than anywhere else. Speed limits and lane rules differ by country, so check the local rules before you drive.

Before you set off

A long motorway run is a good moment for a quick check. Look at tyre pressure and condition, the oil and coolant levels, the washer fluid and the lights. Tyres work hard at sustained speed, so a tyre with low pressure or damage is a real risk. Plan your route and breaks in advance, and make sure the load in the car is secured. Heavy items on the back shelf or loose in the cabin can fly forward in a sudden stop. If you tow or carry a roof box, read towing and roof loads.

Joining the motorway

• Use the slip road to match your speed to the traffic in the right-hand lane before you merge.
• Check your mirror and the blind spot, signal, and merge where there is a gap.
• Do not stop at the end of the slip road unless it is blocked.
• When you are on the main road and see a car joining, move over if it is safe, or adjust your speed to let them in.

Keep a safe distance

Tailgating is one of the most common causes of motorway crashes. The faster you go, the more distance you need. A useful rule of thumb is to keep a gap of at least two seconds to the car in front in good conditions, and more in rain or at night. To check, pick a fixed point such as a sign, and count the seconds between the car in front passing it and you reaching it. If someone follows you too closely, do not brake to teach them a lesson. Move over when it is safe, or simply keep a steady speed.

Lanes and overtaking

In most countries you should keep to the lane that suits your speed and use the others for overtaking. After you pass, move back instead of staying in the fast lane. Before you overtake, check the mirror, signal early, and make sure you have enough space and speed to finish quickly. Do not overtake on the wrong side unless local rules say so. Do not cut in right in front of the car you passed.

Be careful with lorries. They have large blind spots, so if you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, they probably cannot see you. Do not stay alongside a lorry for long.

Stay alert and fight tiredness

Monotonous driving makes the mind wander. Tiredness is a serious danger and microsleeps can last a few seconds, long enough to leave the lane. Plan to stop about every two hours or whenever you feel sleepy.

• Stop at a service area or rest stop, not on the hard shoulder.
• Get fresh air, walk a little and drink water. A short nap of fifteen to twenty minutes can help.
• Coffee helps for a short time, but it does not replace sleep.
• Share the driving if there is a second driver.
• Do not start a long drive after a night of poor sleep.

Put your phone away or use a hands-free mode where it is allowed. A glance at a screen at motorway speed means driving blind for a long distance.

Speed and fuel

Fuel use rises quickly with speed because of air resistance. A moderate, steady speed saves fuel and is calmer, and cruise control can help on open stretches. You can compare the cost of a trip at different distances with our trip cost calculator. More tips are in how to save fuel.

Tyre or engine problems at speed

If a tyre bursts or something breaks, do not brake hard. Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, switch on the hazard lights and let the car slow down gradually. Then move to the side when it is safe. Once stopped, get everyone out on the side away from traffic and stand behind the barrier. The steps are described in what to do in a breakdown, and tyre changes in flat tyre and spare wheel. Never try to repair a car on the traffic side of a motorway.

Weather and night

Rain, fog and night driving change how a motorway feels. Reduce your speed and increase your distance. Read driving in rain and fog and night driving for more details.

What to remember

• Check tyres, fluids and the load before a long trip.
• Match speed when joining and signal early when changing lanes.
• Keep a gap of at least two seconds, more in bad conditions.
• Do not stay in the overtaking lane after you have passed.
• Take a break about every two hours, and stop if you feel sleepy.
• In an emergency, stay calm, use hazard lights and stay away from traffic.

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