Driving theory teacher shares what to do if you see red Xs on motorway

A driving theory teacher has shared what you need to do if you see a red X ontop of all the lanes on the motorway.

If you've ever been driving along a before, you've more than likely seen a sign showing a big red X above one or more lanes.

While most drivers will know that this means that the lane in question is closed and that you need to switch to a different lane, people aren't as confident with their answers if all the lanes has a big red X on top of them.

To help prospective drivers pass their theory exam, theory teacher Annie decided to take to to make a video all about what you need to do if you ever see several red Xs on the motorway.

Showing a photo of four red X signs next to each other, Annie asked: "You see this sign on a motorway, what do you think you have to do? Do you think you have to leave the motorway at the next exit, or do you think you have to stop your car and wait?"

She went on to explain that a red X over a lane means that that lane is question is closed and that all drivers in the lane need to move over to a different lane.

"So, if there's a red X over all lanes, that would mean that all lanes are closed and you have to stop and wait. You can't drive past the red X. All lanes are closed," she explained. "This will happen because there's maybe an accident ahead of you. Maybe a lorry's turned over or there's been a car crash or something."

Annie went on to say: "So, a red X over one lane is one lane is closed. A red X over all lanes, all lanes are closed and you have to stop and wait. I hope that helps."

Despite her explanation, people took to the comments to express that they weren't sure whether or not they'd actually stop their cars if this happened to them.

"I know that in theory you should stop but in practice what if everyone around you is still moving, wouldn't it be really dangerous to just stop," one person asked. To this, another viewer replied: "Put on your hazards to signal to people that you're stopping/slowing down and they will stop/reduce their speed as well."

A third person said: "I would just do what the car in front does."

According to National Highways, it's illegal to drive in a red X lane. If you're caught, you could receive a fixed penalty of up to £100 and three points added to your licence, and in some cases more severe penalties or a court appearance.