A LEADING safety charity has welcomed the scrapping of new smart motorways as a ‘positive step to increase confidence on the roads’.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), which has campaigned on road safety for more than a century, said the risk of a collision between a stationary and moving vehicle on smart motorways was higher than on conventional ones.
ROSPA road safety manager Rebecca Guy said: “It is quite clear drivers want the return of the hard shoulder, and ultimately we need motorists to feel safe on our roads.
“However, an important thing we must remember, is that even where a hard shoulder is in place, live lane breakdowns can still happen, for example, if a motorist in lane three experiences a breakdown and cannot reach the hard shoulder in time.
“A hard shoulder is only a relative place of safety. Collisions and injury still can occur on the hard shoulder, which is why we will continue to educate motorists on what to do if they do find themselves in an emergency on the road.”
She added the charity was also relieved to hear investments into existing smart motorway safety features were ongoing, in particular the retrofit of emergency refuge areas which ROSPA called for from the Transport Select Committee.
ROSPA has also issued safety advice to drivers who find themselves in difficulty on motorways.
Motorists who break down, have a puncture or a minor collision need to know what to do when the worst happens.
Motorists should stay calm, keep left and if they are still able to drive the vehicle they should reduce speed steadily before heading to the nearest junction or service station.
If the car is coming to a stop, they should use the momentum to move over to the left and stop on the hard shoulder before putting their hazard lights on.
In darkness, ensure side lights are also on.
If an engine has failed or tyre burst, be aware of the car’s handling and adapt accordingly.
When stopping, do so as far to the left as possible. By turning wheels to the left, if a car is struck it will be directed away from passing traffic rather than into the live carriageway.
Once stopped and with the hazard lights on, get everyone out of the vehicle and behind the safety barrier if there is one.
Drivers with mobility problems should stay in the car with the seatbelt fastened.
Any pets should stay in the car as the noise from the motorway can startle them.
Call for help – use the SOS phones as it enables people and vehicles to be located more easily. Drivers should always ensure their mobile phones are charged before long journeys and call breakdown cover or emergency services to let them know what has happened.
On smart motorways, if drivers cannot get to the next junction or services, they should get to the emergency refuge area (ERA) before calling for help.
Motorists who break down on a live carriageway should get as far left as they can, turn on the hazard lights as soon as they can and – if safe to do so – get out of the left-hand side of the vehicle before waiting behind the barrier.
If in a live lane and it is too dangerous to get out, stay in the car with the seatbelt on and call 999.
