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Bad driving habits die hard<\/h2>\n
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Understandably, all motorists \u2013 having just got their licence \u2013 are initially nervous about driving on motorways, but most have overcome their initial fears, and have gone on to become regular users of the nation\u2019s major traffic network. Insecurity changes to super confidence, so much so that the majority of motorists don\u2019t give motorway driving a second thought. As a result, many have fallen into bad driving habits \u2013 often the very reason behind so many of the accidents that occur on motorways.<\/p>\n
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With this in mind, no matter whether you\u2019re experienced, or a first timer to the UK\u2019s motorways, we can all learn from these essential driving tips:<\/p>\n
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– Safe stopping distances save lives<\/strong> <\/p>\n – Stay on the left and do things right<\/strong> <\/p>\n – Indicating your intentions in good time<\/strong> <\/p>\n – Speeding can be a quick route to disaster<\/strong> <\/p>\n – All of your attention is required<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Remember, the only things between you, your car, and the motorway are your tyres. As such, the condition of your tyres \u2013 whether good or bad \u2013 has a direct impact on your ability to drive safely, especially when it comes to braking in wet conditions. Ensuring that you have sufficient grip is essential for remaining in control of your vehicle, no matter what type of road you\u2019re driving on \u2013 but more so on a fast-moving, often wet motorway.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tyre quality \u2013 and your driver safety \u2013 is determined by many factors, including:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n – Having enough tyre tread depth<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n – Correct tyre pressures<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n – Spotting any tyre damage<\/a> <\/strong>early<\/p>\n – Fitting winter tyres<\/a><\/strong> in cold temperature conditions<\/p>\n – Whether or not you drive on premium tyres<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Given today\u2019s lack of guaranteed motorway hard shoulders to stop on, this final point is especially important\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re not a regular motorway driver, or have yet to travel on one, you may not be familiar with ‘smart motorways’. Introduced to the UK in 2006, they\u2019re a controversial subject. Smart motorways make use of the hard shoulder as an additional lane, in an attempt to reduce congestion. Whether this measure has been a success or not \u2013 and it\u2019s debatable \u2013 the indisputable result is that there are now fewer places to stop your car in the event of an emergency. This can be problematic, particularly if your emergency concerns your vehicle\u2019s engine or some other mechanical fault.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But what about faulty tyres \u2013 more specifically, if you happen to experience a puncture? Traditionally, motorists have stopped on the hard shoulder to change their tyre. In the past, this may have been a reasonable thing to do, but not in today\u2019s fast-moving, more dangerous driving conditions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Department for Transport figures show that between 2011 and 2016 there were 285 collisions that involved a stationary vehicle on the hard shoulder. There were also a further 118 collisions when a vehicle was either entering or driving away from the hard shoulder or lay-by. In total, these incidents resulted in 38 people losing their lives.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Whatever the reason for these incidents \u2013 motorists not paying enough attention or driving too fast \u2013 it\u2019s clear that if you can avoid stopping on the hard shoulder to change a tyre, you should do so. But how to avoid the need to stop? Simple; by fitting tyres that have self-sealing and run-flat tyre technologies, like those manufactured by Continental<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Continental offers a variety of tyre technologies that are perfect for motorway driving:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Contiseal\u2122<\/a> <\/strong>does away with the need to stop on a motorway hard shoulder to change a tyre. It\u2019s engineered to seal a punctured tyre internally \u2013 up to 5 mm deep \u2013 thanks to a gum-like sealant layer. As a result, drivers are able to effortlessly continue on their journey, with no need for an immediate stop, or roadside tyre change. There\u2019s no compromise in driving performance, which remains identical to that of a tyre in usual condition. You can change the punctured tyre later when conditions are much safer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Self-Supporting Runflat (SSR)<\/strong><\/a> tyres are another extended mobility solution that negates the need for an immediate stop to change a tyre on the motorway. They allow drivers to travel for up to 50 miles (at a maximum speed of 50 mph) in the event of sustaining a puncture. There\u2019s no need to carry a spare wheel in your vehicle, and SSRs are compatible with conventional wheel rims. Self-Supporting Runflat technology is based on a reinforced sidewall which prevents the tyre from being crushed between the rim and the ground, or slipping off the rim.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n And it\u2019s not just safety. ContiSilent\u2122<\/a> <\/strong>tyre technology minimises interior cabin noise. Its noise-reducing characteristics are effective on all road surfaces and work in all weather conditions. As such, ContiSilent\u2122 tyres are ideal for long-distance,high-speedd motorway driving, where sound levels are typically loud. The technology provides motorists with enhanced comfort, and peace and quiet, without any negative impact in driving performance, mileage, or load\/speed capability.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n So highly regarded are their premium tyres that for the first time ever, a single manufacturer \u2013 Continental \u2013 have won the Auto Express Tyre Test Award 2018 across all three tyre types<\/a><\/strong>; summer, winter, and all-season. This unprecedented achievement acknowledges the superior safety and comfort characteristics of Continental\u2019s PremiumContact\u2122 6<\/a><\/strong>, WinterContact\u2122 TS 860, and AllSeasonContact\u2122<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 all ideally suited for motorway driving.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nAlways allow enough room so that, if necessary, you can safely come to a complete stop. Tailgating leaves you vulnerable to collision if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. Stopping distances<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 particularly in wet weather conditions \u2013 can be unpredictable. If you have to veer out of a lane, you\u2019re at risk of experiencing a side-on collision, and of being hit from behind. Remember the Highway Code\u2019s \u2018two second\u2019 rule for dry roads, and double the space to four seconds when it\u2019s raining, or if the surface is wet. Allow even greater distances in icy or foggy conditions.<\/p>\n
\nYou should always stay in the left-hand lane when driving on the motorway, unless you\u2019re overtaking, or if you are otherwise directed by the police or other uniformed authority. This enables safer overtaking, and smoother traffic flow. If you drive in the middle lane unnecessarily, you increase the chances of congestion. This can result in vehicles becoming too bunched together, and the chance of accidents. If you\u2019re caught hogging the middle lane for no good reason, you risk incurring points on your licence, and a fine.<\/p>\n
\nTiming is everything, and this is especially the case before you switch from one lane to another. Always do so with sufficient notice, because if you don\u2019t, how can other drivers know your intentions? You\u2019re more likely to be responsible for an accident if you don\u2019t indicate with sufficient notice.<\/p>\n
\nThe maximum speed limit on the motorway is 70 mph, but this is not always an option. Variable speeds posted on motorway signs and gantries are constantly in effect and subject to sudden change. Modern-day detection technology is arrayed throughout the road network. In the current climate of aggressive enforcement, anyone caught speeding is highly likely to incur a stiff fine, as well as several penalty points on their licence. Instead, save your money, and drive at a steady, constant speed. This provides you with more control of your vehicle.<\/p>\n
\nSome motorists treat driving as a full-on leisure activity. We get that driving can be exciting and fun, but concentration is vital. Incredibly, many drivers still think that it\u2019s okay to use their mobile phones while at the wheel. Simply put, it\u2019s not \u2013 period. Great care and attention are required when driving, to help ensure both your\u2019s and your fellow motorway users\u2019 safety. Travelling at high speed is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. By paying close attention to what\u2019s going on around you, what\u2019s happening up ahead, and monitoring what\u2019s behind you, drivers will be better prepared in case of a potential accident. With this in mind, it makes good sense to continually check your mirrors and to look further ahead \u2013 continuously assessing your surroundings.<\/p>\nFitting good tyres makes a difference to your driver safety<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nIf possible, give the hard shoulder the cold shoulder<\/h2>\n
Good tyres make driving on the motorway safer \u2013 and more pleasant<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nContinental Tyres: All Seasons, All Weathers, All Winners<\/h2>\n