Motorway driving
Motorways are designed in order to help you get to your destination as quickly and safely as you possibly can. However, the speed and safety comes with a price. Long journeys on motorways can zap your concentration and subject your vehicle to more wear and tear than average.
Motorways are probably the safest roads, but when accidents happen they are usually quite severe due to the higher speeds involved. Motorway accidents often cause loss of life, but this risk can be greatly minimised by following advice.
Preparation
The first thing you need to consider before setting off on a motorway journey is whether or not you are actually allowed on the motorway. Learner drivers are prohibited from motorways and with motorways becoming more complex, all new drivers should take training with a professional instructor to learn about motorway driving. It's also common sense to drive a vehicle that is fit for the road. However, this becomes even more important when you're contemplating a motorway journey.
Driving at high speeds over long distances will most definitely test the weakest components of your vehicle. In the same way that your car needs to be in a good condition, you also need to be fit and alert yourself. The higher speeds on motorways mean that things can happen very quickly, and so a moment's lapse of concentration could have terrible consequences.
History
Britain's first motorway, the Preston Bypass, was opened on December 5th 1958 by the Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan. Four hours later after the opening ceremony, Harold Bradshaw earned a place in UK motoring history when he became the first recorded motorway casualty after falling from a bridge above the road.
In 1959, the M1, just over 61 miles long, was opened. This would bridge the great North and South divide. Unintentionally, it also provided a test track for high-performance sports cars.