Ask a group of drivers which roads make them most nervous and motorways usually top the list. That’s interesting, because statistically they are the safest roads in the UK.
So why do they feel so intimidating – and what can you do if motorway driving makes you anxious?
Motorways are not as dangerous as they might feel
Official government data shows that motorways carry about 21% of all UK road traffic, but account for only 6% of road fatalities. Around 1,600 people were killed on British roads in 2024, and motorway figures have remained relatively low compared with other road types.
By contrast, most road deaths happen on rural single-carriageway roads, even though far fewer drivers say they worry about those types of roads.
Motorways are safer largely because:
- Traffic moves in the same direction
- Speeds are broadly consistent
- There are no pedestrians, cyclists, mopeds or parked cars
- There are no roundabouts, T-junctions, traffic lights or bus stops that cause traffic to slow down, stop and speed up repeatedly.
There are simply fewer unexpected conflict points on a motorway compared to normal urban roads. That doesn’t mean motorways are risk-free. But the fear many drivers feel is often about the experience – the speed, the volume of traffic, the presence of lorries – rather than the actual level of danger.
Why smart motorways worry many drivers
Smart motorways are a particular source of anxiety.
In an IAM RoadSmart survey of more than 1,000 motorists, 33% said they were most worried about driving on smart motorways, compared with 6% who were concerned about traditional motorways with a hard shoulder.
Smart motorways remove the permanent hard shoulder and use overhead signs and variable speed limits to manage traffic flow. They were introduced to increase capacity and reduce congestion, but concerns remain, which has added to public unease.
If you already feel unsure about motorway driving, that debate can make things worse.
Some stress comes from other drivers
Even confident motorway users find certain behaviours frustrating.
Tailgating remains a major issue. National Highways says it is a factor in one in eight crashes. Being followed too closely is uncomfortable, even if you’re doing nothing wrong.
Middle-lane hogging also causes tension. Drivers who stay in the middle lane when the inside lane is clear create unnecessary congestion and can encourage risky undertaking.
You can’t control how others drive. But you can control how much space and time you give yourself.
Building confidence step by step
If motorway driving makes you anxious, the goal isn’t to force yourself into a stressful situation. It’s to make it manageable.
Consider refresher training
Learners have been allowed on motorways since 2018, so many new drivers now gain experience before passing their test. If you passed before that, you may never have had structured motorway tuition.
Motorway or refresher lessons with an instructor can cover:
- Entering and leaving safely
- Lane positioning
- Overtaking
- Driving comfortably at higher speeds
A few focused sessions can make a big difference.
Start smaller than you think you need to
You don’t have to begin with a long motorway journey.
Dual carriageways are a good stepping stone. They help you get used to faster-moving traffic and larger vehicles without the full intensity of a busy motorway.
When you do try a motorway, pick a quieter time of day and a short stretch. Build up gradually rather than jumping straight into a Friday evening run.
Avoiding motorways completely can keep the fear in place. Controlled exposure usually reduces it.
Prepare properly
Anxiety often feeds on uncertainty.
Before a longer trip:
- Make sure you have enough fuel
- Check oil and tyre pressures
- Clean your windows and mirrors
- Top up washer fluid
- Check your lights and indicators
Plan your route and allow extra time so you don’t feel rushed. Check traffic reports so you know what to expect. Factor in rest breaks.
Preparation gives you one less thing to worry about.
Give yourself space and time
At motorway speeds, IAM RoadSmart recommends leaving a three-second gap between you and the vehicle in front at 70mph. In wet conditions, that should be at least doubled. Space buys you time – and time reduces stress.
Speed limits are not targets that must be maintained at all times, so adjust your speed for traffic and weather conditions. Slowing down by 5mph will probably only add a few minutes to your journey time, but can reduce your stress and increase your safety.
Take a break every two hours or 100 miles to recharge your batteries. An extra 10-15 minutes of journey time is worth it to help keep you feeling fresh and relaxed.
If you’re using a smart motorway
All standard motorway rules apply, but remember:
- Never drive in a lane marked with a red X
- Follow the speed limit shown on overhead gantries
- A solid white line marks the hard shoulder – don’t drive in it unless directed
- A broken white line marks a normal running lane
If your vehicle develops a problem, leave the motorway if you can. If you break down, aim for an emergency refuge area. If you are forced to stop in a live lane, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on and call 999. Use hazard lights to make the car visible.
Knowing what to do makes the situation far less frightening.
The bottom line
Motorways feel fast and busy, and that can be intimidating. But they are not inherently more dangerous than other roads – in fact, the data suggests the opposite.
If you feel anxious, you’re not unusual and you’re not incapable. With preparation, practice and gradual experience, most drivers find their confidence grows.
You don’t have to love motorway driving. You just need to feel able to handle it calmly and safely.
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