With hundreds of students travelling home for Christmas this week, National Highways are urging drivers to brush up on motorway safety, especially when driving near heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
Data shows that young drivers under 30 account for a quarter of all car and van drivers killed or seriously injured in collisions involving HGVs and research has found that Two in five (41%) newly qualified drivers panic when an HGV is ahead, behind, or alongside them. In response, National Highways ‘Know the HGV Zones’ campaign encourages all drivers, but particularly recent license holders, to follow these essential safety tips when driving near HGVs, helping everyone arrive safely:
- Know the zones: HGVs have four major areas of limited vision. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they probably can’t see you.
- Overtake with care: Once you begin overtaking, move past the HGV safely and steadily. Don’t linger alongside and return to the left lane only when it’s safe to do so. Never cut in.
- Avoid tailgating: Following too closely means the HGV driver can’t see you, and you won’t have time to react if they brake suddenly.
- Be visible: Make it easy for HGV drivers to see you by staying out of their blind spots and using your indicators clearly and early.
Colin Stevenson, Road Safety Information Lead at National Highways, said: “The end of the Winter term sees many students travelling home for the Christmas break, and “Driving near large vehicles like HGVs can be intimidating. That’s why we’re urging all new drivers to understand how to stay safe around them. Knowing the zones of limited vision, giving HGVs space, and staying visible can make all the difference in helping everyone get to their destination safely.”
For more information on the Know the HGV zones campaign, visit:
https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/hgv-resources-page/
