Jump directly to the content
HARD LUCK

Do YOU know where to stop in an emergency on a smart motorway if there’s no hard shoulder?

In the instance of an emergency, more than half of British drivers are unaware where to pull over on a smart motorway

In the instance of an emergency, a concerning number of drivers are unaware where to pull over on the motorway

AN INCREASE in the number of smart motorways that use the hard shoulder as a driving lane has highlighted a worrying trend among British drivers.

New research has found a concerning number of motorists are unaware of what to do if they're forced to pull over.

 In the instance of an emergency, a concerning number of drivers are unaware where to pull over on a smart motorway
1
In the instance of an emergency, a concerning number of drivers are unaware where to pull over on a smart motorwayCredit: PA:Press Association

The study, conducted by the RAC, showed just over half (52 per cent) of those surveyed did not know about "emergency refuge areas" on smart motorways.

Refuge areas are spaced every 2.5km and offer a place to stop in the event of an emergency - like a breakdown - because of the lack of permanent hard shoulders on smart motorways.

But these shouldn't be used unless it's an emergency and aren't a place to stop for the driver to be sick, rest breaks, toilet stops, to make or take phone calls or for changing a baby’s nappy.

The survey also found two-thirds of drivers were unaware of what do to do once they had stopped, and did not know the safest way to re-enter the motorway.

The overwhelming majority of respondents wrongly believed they should just wait for a gap in the traffic and then accelerate as quickly as possible to motorway speed.

Instead motorists should contact Highways England who will close a lane or slow the traffic nearby to allow you to rejoin safely.

Over the next three years, £3billion is being invested in upgrading existing motorways to become smart motorways, with more than 472 extra lane miles of capacity already added to the road network through these upgrades.

Smart motorways feature the refuge areas, no permanent hard shoulder and also overhead gantries displaying lane closures and variable speed limits.

RAC: How to use a smart motorway emergency refuge area

  • Emergency refuge areas (ERA) should only be used if it is safe to reach them - they are marked with blue signs featuring the orange SOS telephone symbol.
  • If safe to do so, leave your vehicle and contact Highways England via the roadside emergency telephone provided
  • After a call has been made, a traffic officer will be sent to assist you, or motorway signs will be set to temporarily close lanes or reduce speed limits.
  • If you plan on rejoining the motorway, it is recommended you call Highways England again so that restriction can be put in place to make this as safe as possible.
  • If you cannot reach an ERA, attempt to drive your car to the hard shoulder or nearest the boundary as possible.
  • Hazard warning lights should be used in all instances.

RAC chief engineer David Bizley said: “It is essential motorists understand how and when to use an emergency refuge area so they do not put their own safety and that of other road users at risk.

"Vehicles should pull up to the indicated mark on the tarmac and then the occupants should leave the vehicle from the passenger side.

"Everyone should stand behind the barriers and should use the emergency roadside telephone provided to speak to a Highways England representative.

"Driving is just the same as normal but motorists need to be very aware of the speed limit applicable at the time as well as watching out for red ‘Xs’ which indicate that a lane has been closed and it is an offence to drive in it.”

 

Topics