Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumFatigue and Tiredness

When experiencing severe drowsiness while driving on a motorway, pulling over onto the hard shoulder to take a short nap is an authorised and safe countermeasure.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. Stopping on the hard shoulder to rest or sleep is strictly prohibited under The Highway Code and poses a severe collision hazard.
Under The Highway Code, stopping on the hard shoulder, slip road, or emergency area is illegal except in a breakdown or genuine emergency. Drowsiness does not qualify as an emergency; drivers must exit the motorway or stop at an authorised service area.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the situation and the proposed countermeasure
The driver is suffering from fatigue on a motorway and considers using the hard shoulder to rest.
Recognising the hazard of driving while tired is essential, but the response must comply with road law.
2
Apply Highway Code regulations regarding hard shoulder usage
The hard shoulder is restricted to breakdowns, medical emergencies, or directions from authorised personnel.
Fatigue does not legally qualify as an emergency permitting a stop on the hard shoulder due to the extreme danger from high-speed traffic.
3
Determine the correct protocol for managing driver fatigue
The driver must maintain vehicle control, exit the motorway at the next junction or service station, and rest in a safe designated parking area.
This confirms that stopping on the hard shoulder is both unlawful and unsafe, making the statement false.

Key Concept

Prohibition of hard shoulder usage for driver fatigue and identifying lawful rest protocols
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Fatigue and Tiredness

More questions from this topic