On the motorway, your safety and the safety of others depend on your vigilance and adherence to the rules. This includes maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you and following the safety corridor guidelines when crews are working on the road. These simple actions can prevent serious accidents and protect drivers and motorway workers.
What are the safety distances that must be respected on the motorway?
Respect safe following distances
Safe following distance is the space required between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow for safe braking.
On the motorway, maintain a distance of 73 meters at 130 km/h and 66 meters at 110 km/h. These distances are mandatory according to the Highway Code: failure to comply can result in a €135 fine and 3 points deducted from your license.
To check your distance on the highway, use the road markings as a guide:
- Dashed white line: 3m lines spaced 10m apart
- Emergency stopping lane: 39m lines spaced 13m apart
- Warning lines: 3m lines spaced 1.33m apart
At maximum speed, maintain two lines of the emergency lane between you and the vehicle in front.
Safe following distance is often overlooked. Driving at the correct speed is not enough: speed and distance go hand in hand to brake in time. Maintaining these distances protects you and other drivers.
This distance must take into account:
- Your speed
- The weather conditions (rain, fog, snow)
- Your reaction time
- Maintaining this distance helps reduce the risk of rear-end collisions and allows for a timely response in case of an emergency.
The security corridor: what is it?
The safety corridor is a rule enshrined in the French Highway Code since 2018. It requires drivers to:
Change lanes to leave a clear lane between their vehicle and emergency vehicles.
Move to the left and slow down if changing lanes is impossible.
On average, three emergency vehicles are struck on French highways every week. Failure to comply with this rule results in a Class 4 fine, amounting to €135 and points being deducted from your license.
What are the best practices to adopt?
- Slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle
- Change lanes if possible
- Stay alert and focused on the road
Be vigilant for our emergency response teams
Our agents are on duty 24/7 To ensure your safety. Nearly half of all accidents occur during the installation of roadwork barriers. Nearly one in three collisions happens during assistance operations for drivers involved in accidents or breakdowns. Your vigilance is essential to protect them.
Why is this important?
Protecting emergency crews and other road users. Reducing the risk of serious accidents. Maintaining smooth and safe traffic flow for everyone.