At night would it be safer to drive on the motorway in the slow lane or along A-roads?

Question

I am driving with my kids from London to Cornwall

Answer 1

Provided that you keep up with the traffic flow the motorways are the safest roads in the country. BTW there is no slow lane on a UK motorway, there is one running lane and one or more (typicaly two) overtaking lanes.

Answer 2

The Motorways

Answer 3

if you drive on the motorway at the same speed as the other traffic, then the motorway is the safest place to be, all the traffic is going in the same direction,

on a A road you are passing other cars inches apart .

Answer 4

If you don't feel confident enough to overtake (using second / third lanes) on the motorway then go on the A roads. Why not go to a local driving school and get some instruction in motorway driving before the trip, if you have time.

Serious injuries and deaths on motorways form only 3% of the UK total, most accidents are on A roads / dual carriageways, so motorways are actually safer IF you know how to use them.

M3 / A30 / A303 is a good route but there are some nasty bends on the A303 further west which could catch you out, especially at night.

Answer 5

Motorways are safer than 'A' roads, this is a fact. Which 'slow lane' do you mean? All lanes on a motorway are the same. I assume you mean the inside lane.

Answer 6

Depends on the other drivers on the road!

We did that trip from the Midlands to Cornwall and went on the motorway. If you have kids at least you know where the services will be etc for all those loo stops!

Answer 7

Motorways are safer but it sounds like you need to drive faster.  Lanes 2 and 3 are safer than lane 1.  Less chance of being crushed by lorries.  So get you foot down and drive safely.  Don't be fooled by that stupid statement that speed kills.  It's just nonsense.  Learn to think and make real risk assessments.

Answer 8

The A303 and the A30 will give the kids more to look at, but if you are in a hurry then motorway it is.