Hundreds of roadworks slow motorists every day when they are travelling to and from work.

Swindon is no exception, with many roadwork projects such as the White Hart Roundabout and the Piccadilly Roundabout all overrunning, causing havoc and misery.

Between 2016 and 2020, 6,590 incidents were reported on Britain’s roads which involved roadworks.

Here are some tips to make your journey a little bit easier when navigating roadworks from IAM RoadSmart. 

On the motorway

These are some of the common encounters that motorists have when driving at 70 or 80 mph.

When approaching the reduced limit, brake nice and early, the 50 mph is there to protect you, other motorists, and the construction workers.

Remember, too, that the separation gap on a fast-flowing road can't be ignored because the traffic is bunching up.

The gap should be at least 44 metres or 10 car lengths.

Neighbouring narrow lanes

It can be frightening when you are driving next to an articulated vehicle.

Not only are you potentially in a blind spot, but any curve in the road could mean its course changes and it could move into your lane.

The best advice is to slow down and create a space alongside it,  this will allow you to create a safety gap, and then you can match your speed to maintain it.

Breakdowns and incidents

Should you ever break down in a set of roadworks, the safest place to be is most likely in your car. Make sure you've activated your hazard lights and call for help by dialling 999. Major roadworks often have dedicated numbers for breakdown help, so call those if possible.

If possible pull over, get out of the vehicle when safe to do so and stay behind the crash barrier.

Temporary lights

When approaching roadworks with temporary traffic lights on red, slow down nice and early with your brake lights.

If the obstruction is just out of a bend, position yourself to seen before the bend and bridge the gap.

Give way

Roadworks aren’t always protected by traffic lights or signs. The best thing to do in this situation is to give way if the obstruction is on your side of the road.

If you can time your arrival well, you can expect some co-operation from oncoming traffic if you’re well into the gap before they arrive.

 IAM RoadSmart’s Head of Driving and Riding Standards Richard Gladman said: “Many of us have experienced the frustration that roadworks can cause and with local councils still trying to catch up on planned roadworks since the pandemic started, road closures and other obstructions can be a common occurrence of our journeys. It’s important to know how to navigate roadworks to keep ourselves and others safe.”