The UK is all set to bring in smart roads to reduce congestion and improve the overall experience of travelling by road.
More than 80 per cent of automobile and commercial fleet owners believe that due to the introduction of smart motorways, traditional roads have become a more dangerous place. This has increased a level of concern among the UK citizens regarding the future and the potential safety implications while driving.
Changes made to roads will come along with new rules and regulations that every driver has to learn and abide by. Hence, it is important for drivers to be more careful of their safety, especially by staying updated with the new rules that are about to be introduced.
There is undoubtedly a lot of confusion regarding what is and what is not legal when driving. Although one thing that is mandatory for every driver is to possess a legal driving licence.
Apart from the legal do’s and don’ts, there are many myths every UK citizen has regarding driving. In this article we are covering five major driving myths that almost every other UK individual believes in.
Five Major Myths of the Road
Myth #1: Any Vehicle Is Allowed To Drive in the Right Hand Lane
Unless you are towing a trailer or driving a huge bus or goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight of over 7.5 tonnes, it is legal to drive in the right hand lane.
Most accidents take place because commercial fleets usually avoid this warning. To avoid road accidents, it is always recommended to implement a wheel nut safety device which not only ensures the safety of your vehicle but also the people and goods it carries.
Myth #2: The Left Hand Lane Is Most Likely the Lorry Lane
This mis-understanding is certainly among the younger age group. The new drivers (people of the ages 18 to 24) on the road often believe that the left-hand lane is known as the lorry lane which is to be used only by those who drive a lorry.
In fact, each driver should keep left at all times while driving, unless of course when they are overtaking. But if the road ahead is all clear, it is safe to stay on the left hand lane. This is also applicable while driving in the middle lane (which by the way is illegal unless you are overtaking).
Myth #3: There Is No National Speed Limit
For those who actually believe this, let me burst your bubble by telling you the fact that the National Speed Limit exists. Most people believe that it is legal to travel at the speed of 80 or 90 miles per hour.
In fact, the maximum speed limit also known as the National Speed Limit is 60, or 70 on motorways. It is also 60 miles per hour for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes or those towing a caravan or a trailer.
Myth #4: If You Break Down by the Side of the Road and There Is an Animal in the Car, You Must Take It Out
It is generally understood and practiced that if at all you breakdown on a motorway, it is important to pull onto the hard shoulder and let your co-passengers out of the vehicle. Next, you should stay safe behind the barrier and not attempt to get back in the vehicle until maintenance arrives. But when it comes to pets, unless it is extremely necessary, they should be left in the vehicle.
Myth #5: You Can Stop On the Hard Shoulder If You Are Ill or Need the Toilet
In actual fact, the hard shoulder is for emergency purposes only. These emergencies purposes include incidents such as vehicle breakdown, being asked to pull over by the police officer or if directed to do so by signage.
A lot of people believe that it is legal to stop if a passenger is ill or need to use the toilet. But in fact, it is not the case, especially because of the level of safety risk presented by the hard shoulder. In case you are unwell or want to use the toilet, you should take the next exit and find a place that is safe and legal to park.