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JULY 2018 | 43

Now that the snow and ice is behind us the roadworks have started , and repairs are being made . This could affect our daily commute to work , or even prolong the school run .

Narrower lanes , slow traffic and fraying tempers all add to the challenge of reaching to our destination in time . But if you drive carefully and plan your journey , it needn ’ t be stressful . Here ’ s some advice from IAM RoadSmart ’ s head of driving and riding standards , Richard Gladman , to ensure your motorway journey through roadworks is as safe and stress-free as possible .

• Ideally , you should check the status of any roads you plan to use beforehand . If there are significant amounts of repair works and you think you might get caught up in traffic consider taking a different route , even if it means covering a few more miles . Google Maps is always a good one to check before you leave the house as it often shows the roadworks and will suggest alternative routes

• If there ’ s no alternative route , give yourself more time to travel and ensure you have plenty of fuel . Running out of fuel is one of the most common reasons for a breakdown on the motorway , so don ’ t risk running on a low tank

• Maintain a safe following distance of at least two seconds in the dry and at least four seconds in wet weather , and if other traffic moves into your gap adjust it by slowing very slightly . Try and

look as far ahead as possible ( this is where the following distance can help too ). There may be a lane that ’ s restricted and marked off by cones . If it is safe to do so , merge in turn if vehicles are travelling at low speed

• Keep an eye out for any roadwork signs that give you instructions . There may also be a temporary maximum speed limit that you will need to adhere to

• Average speed cameras are also common where long term roadworks are in force – be prepared to slow down throughout .

• Technology . If you are going to use cruise control , make sure you know how to cancel it safely . A better option will be a speed limiter which will allow you to slow in response to the traffic but help to prevent any momentary lapse in speed control if the road clears .

www . iamroadsmart . com

ROAD SAFETY and breakdown cover specialist GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging drivers to protect themselves by being alert to early signs of road rage . The warning follows release of disturbing dashcam video appearing to show an angry driver in the West Midlands shunting a fellow motorist and causing a high-speed crash .

GEM has identified a few steps ( taken from its ‘ Courtesy on the Road ’ leaflet ) that will hopefully reduce the risk for a driver of being the target of someone else ’ s aggression :

1 . Keep calm and show restraint . Every journey brings the risk of frustration and conflict . Make a pledge to be patient . Avoid using your horn or making gestures in anger .

2 . Avoid competition and resist the desire to ‘ get even ’. If the standard of someone else ’ s driving disappoints you , don ’ t attempt to educate or rebuke them .

3 . Don ’ t push into traffic queues . If you wait and clearly signal , you won ’ t wait long before another drive lets you in . But they don ’ t like being forced into giving way .

4 . Say thank you , say sorry , Courtesy encourages co-operation on the road . If you make a mistake ( and we all do !) or perhaps cut things a bit fine , then a gesture of apology avoids confrontation and helps defuse anger .

5 . Move away from trouble . If you feel seriously threatened by another driver , then ensure your car doors locked and drive ( at legal speed ) to the nearest police station or busy area ( petrol station forecourts are ideal ). Use your mobile phone to alert the police . Pressing the horn repeatedly or continuously is likely to deter a potential attacker .

http :// www . motoringassist . com / the-gem-story / leaflets /