Why Motorway Safety Isn't Just About Speed Limits

The morning commute turned chaotic today on the M18, with multiple vehicles involved in accidents near Dromoland. Three people were hospitalized, and hundreds faced delays. It's a stark reminder of how quickly things can change on our motorways, especially when weather plays its part.

As a driving instructor, I've spent countless hours on these roads. What strikes me most isn't just the statistics - though they're sobering enough, with 150 lives lost on Irish roads this year alone. It's how often these incidents could have been prevented with the right knowledge and approach.

Think about your last motorway journey. Did you automatically set your cruise control to 120km/h because that's the limit? Did you maintain the same distance you usually do behind that truck, despite the rain? These are the small decisions that can make all the difference.

Here's what most drivers don't realize:

Motorway driving in poor weather isn't just about slowing down. It's about reading the road like a book. Those dark clouds ahead aren't just threatening rain - they're telling you to prepare for sudden changes in visibility. That spray from trucks isn't just an inconvenience - it's a warning to increase your following distance.

The RSA's latest figures tell us something interesting: despite our advanced vehicles and improved road systems, we're seeing more monthly fatalities in 2024 than in 2023 - up from 15 to 19 per month. But numbers only tell part of the story. Behind each statistic is a moment where someone had to make a split-second decision.

Let's talk about those decisions. Whe

n you're cruising at motorway speeds, you're covering roughly 100 meters every three seconds. That's the length of a football field in the time it takes to read this sentence. Now add rain, spray from other vehicles, and reduced visibility to that equation. Suddenly, that four-second following distance rule doesn't seem so overcautious, does it?

The real skill in motorway driving isn't about handling speed - it's about managing space and time.

It's about understanding that the gap between you and the vehicle ahead isn't just distance - it's your safety cushion, your thinking time, your escape route if things go wrong.

Modern cars come packed with safety features - ABS, traction control, stability management - but they're not substitutes for good judgment. They're your backup, not your primary strategy. The best safety feature in any vehicle is still the one between the steering wheel and the seat - the driver.

But knowledge without preparation is only half the battle. Let's break down exactly what you need to do before hitting the motorway and how to handle emergencies when they arise.

Before You Hit The Road

Essential Vehicle Checks:

□ Fuel: At least half a tank - motorway driving uses more fuel, and running out on a motorway is both dangerous and preventable

□ Tyres: Check pressure and tread depth (minimum 1.6mm) - your tyres are your only contact with the road

□ Lights: Test all lights including fog lights - being seen is as important as seeing

□ Wipers: Working effectively with adequate washer fluid - crucial for sudden weather changes

□ Brakes: Responsive and in good condition - test them before joining fast-moving traffic

□ Oil: Correct level - prevents engine damage at high speeds

□ Coolant: Proper level - essential for longer journeys

Personal Preparation:

□ Check weather forecast - knowledge is power

□ Plan your route (including alternatives) - never rely on just one option

□ Charge your mobile phone - your lifeline in emergencies

□ Save emergency numbers - speed matters in crisis situations

□ Pack high-vis vest - essential for breakdowns

□ Keep emergency kit in car (torch, basic tools, first aid kit) - hope for the best, prepare for the worst

□ Check traffic updates - avoid known problems

□ Take a break if tired - fatigue kills

When Things Go Wrong: Your Emergency Action Plan

Vehicle Breakdown Protocol:

1. Pull over to the hard shoulder gradually - no sudden movements

2. Turn on hazard warning lights immediately - make yourself visible

3. Point wheels away from traffic - prevents rolling into lanes

4. Exit vehicle from passenger side - stay away from moving traffic

5. Stand behind barrier, well away from traffic - at least 50 meters behind your vehicle

6. Wear high-visibility vest - be seen to be safe

7. Call for help - don't attempt repairs on motorway

   
   

Collision Response:

1. Stop if safe to do so - prevent secondary accidents

2. Turn on hazard lights - warn other drivers

3. Call 112 or 999 immediately - every minute counts

4. Don't move injured people unless in immediate danger - prevent further injury

5. Exchange details with other drivers if possible - get registration numbers, insurance details, and names

6. Take photos if safe to do so - document everything

7. Note time, date, and weather conditions - details matter for insurance

   
   

Severe Weather Navigation:

1. Reduce speed gradually - sudden braking can cause skidding

2. Switch on dipped headlights - make yourself visible

3. Increase following distance - double your normal gap

4. Move to left lane when safe - avoid unnecessary lane changes

5. Consider leaving motorway at next exit - sometimes the slower route is the safer route

6. If visibility is severely compromised, use hazard lights - help others see you

7. Never stop in active lanes - no matter how bad conditions get

   
   
   
   

Your Emergency Contacts Directory: • Emergency Services: 112 or 999 - for immediate danger • Garda Traffic Watch: 1800 666 111 - to report hazards • AA Roadwatch: 01 649 7000 - for breakdown assistance • DriveX Emergency Support: 089 258 5868 - for professional guidance

Remember: These aren't just guidelines - they're lessons learned from real incidents like today's M18 accidents.

At DriveX, we've seen how proper preparation and knowing exactly what to do in an emergency can make the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.

Want to build your confidence in motorway driving? Contact us at hello@drivex.ie or visit www.drivex.ie. Because on the motorway, it's not just about knowing how to drive - it's about knowing how to drive safely.

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