We have all been there, when you're just about to leave work and you see on the news that there are traffic delays caused by:
- An Accident
- Football Match
- Bad weather
- Too many vehicles
A statement by Highways England said: "There are severe delays on the M62 eastbound in West Yorkshire, due to a traffic collision closing 3 lanes between J29 (M1, Lofthouse Interchange) and J30 (A642, Wakefield). "West Yorkshire Police are on scene, along with fire and ambulance services, and our Highways England Traffic Officers. This has resulted in severe delays on the M62 approach back towards J27 (M621, A650, Gildersome).
Read more at: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/severe-delays-after-m62-collision-near-lofthouse-1-8977977
You could stop for a while in a motorway services on the M62. There are 4 major services:
- Burtonwood (4* Welcome Break)
- Birch (4* Moto)
- Hartshead Moor (3* Welcome Break)
- Ferrybridge (4* Moto)
The AA gives 10 tips should you be delayed on a Motorway
1. Motorways have to close
There will always be accidents, and motorways will have to close to allow the emergency services to deal with them. Legislation also requires the police to carry out a full examination if someone dies or if there's the possibility of a fatality. Ice, snow and floods close motorways too.
2. Delays are inevitable
Usually there are contingency plans for diverting traffic around a closed motorway. However, it won't be a three lane, almost junction-free dual carriageway, and it won't be free of local traffic. It will have the speed limits, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings we expect to find off the motorway network too. This will cause delays – both to those on the motorway and those in the local area. If bad weather closes a motorway it will close local roads too.
Some traffic will be caught between the last junction and the incident – it's not easy to turn these people round and get them off the motorway.
3. Long journey, short journey
If you use motorways for short, local journeys you can be caught in a delay too. And if a nearby motorway is closed traffic havoc can result for miles around.
It's advisable always to consider how a possible delay could affect you, your passengers and anyone you may be picking up en route too.
Be prepared
4. Too hot, too cold
Long winter delays leave many people literally freezing, while being trapped on a motorway in high summer can lead to dehydration. Basic preparation – making sure there is a coat in the car (perhaps a blanket or an emergency blanket) and making sure you carry some water – can make delays more bearable. Think about what you're wearing, too.
Running the engine can provide heat (via the heater), but also uses fuel. The best compromise is to run the engine for 10 minutes in every hour. Make sure the exhaust is not blocked, particularly by snow. If it is gasses can build up inside the car.
5. Keeping in touch
Don't forget to take your mobile phone – make sure it's charged or that you have a charger or car lead. If you're meeting someone (especially to give them a lift) make sure they have a phone and that you exchange numbers.
6. Individual problems
People in your car may need medicines or treatments. Make sure you carry them with you on any journey.
7. Check the road and the weather
There are many websites and telephone services that tell you about road and weather conditions – use them before you go. Variable message signs on motorways provide important information too and can allow you to change your route to avoid congestion.
8. Build yourself an emergency kit
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Torch
- Warm clothes and a blanket
- A pair of boots
- First-aid kit
- Battery jump leads
- A shovel if it's likely to snow
- Food and a warm drink in a flask for particularly cold weather, water for hot weather.
When you are held up
9. Stay with the car
It's tempting to leave the car in the queue and head for local facilities, especially if they can be seen from the motorway. Queues can end as fast as they form though, and if your car is left blocking the motorway you could be in trouble.
At night and in bad weather avoid leaving the car and heading for distant lights. They could be further than they appear and whoever lives there may not welcome strangers. You could also have difficulties finding your way back to the car.
10. Expect the worst
Remember that you could be stuck for some time. Keep something in reserve. Monitor the situation by using the radio, and use your mobile phone to make sure someone knows where you are.
What ever happens do take care and be safe on your journeys home.
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