Many motorists are guilty of going on autopilot as we cruise down familiar roads and run our regular commute.
Even as we grow comfortable behind the wheel, drivers must keep up to date with new rules - and may even have to be reminded of the meaning behind common road signs. In fact, there's one major motorway sign new and veteran drivers alike have been urged not to ignore.
The AA has warned drivers to take note of the red 'X' found on the overhead gantry on a smart motorway, The Mirror reports. Drivers ignoring it risk a £100 fine and three points on your licence.
If you've ever driven on such a motorway before, you've likely spotted several.
The sign serves as an important safety feature. Whether people think the sign is advisory, or simply choose to ignore it, it is vital to pay attention to the X, explains AA President Edmund King.
"These signs aren't optional – you must move over if you see a red 'X' above the lane you are in," he says
"The red 'X' can be used to close a lane if there are people working in the road, someone's broken down or there's a different type of obstruction," explains the expert. "You must not drive in the closed lane until the signs tell you that you can."
More advice on what to do when you see a lane with a red 'X' and about driving on smart motorways is available on the AA website.
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