Statistics state that driving on motorways are still safer than normal roads. They carry 21% of traffic but only account for 6% of fatal collisions.
However, another sobering statistic states that for every 10 minutes spent on the hard shoulder, life expectancy reduces by 30%. The RAC has stated that a survey of 28 police forces issued over 17,000 tickets for motorway related offences. These offences range from U turns on motorways, driving the wrong way up slip roads and driving on, and stopping on hard shoulders. Rather alarmingly there are reports of drivers being caught driving the wrong way down the motorway.
It’s not an uncommon site to see cars stopped on the hard shoulder. If you have to stop on a hard shoulder then you are literally dicing with death. The Highway Code states –‘ You must not stop on the carriageway, hard shoulder, slip road, central reservation or verge except in an emergency, or when told to do so by the police, traffic officers in uniform, an emergency sign or by flashing red signals. Do not stop on the hard shoulder to either make or receive phone calls’.
And to be balanced and fair it is useful to cite the AA. What to do if you breakdown on a motorway. Try to get off the motorway, turn on your lights and hazard lights, wait in a safe place, make yourself visible and report your breakdown. If you see families standing in a row behind a safety barrier or on the verge wearing protective jackets they are not stopping for fun. They are doing the right thing and trying to stay alive.
For more information and to find out how we can help you, please contact us on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.