Sarah Hutchinson
DSA Approved Driving Instructor
heavy goods vehicles
HGVs such as lorries and truck are big, heavy and usually slow. Their size and speed can make manoeuvring difficult for them, especially with a long trailer connected.
They can have difficulties navigating towns and streets, so always be patient
Below are some key procedures and tips to remember when encountering HGVs on the roads:
Junctions / Roundabouts
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Blind Spots
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Following distances
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Hump / arched bridges
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Wet weather
junctions
- an HGV driver may have no choice but to take up more than one lane when turning at a junction, to avoid hitting kerbs and pavements where pedestrians are
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- to turn left at a T-junction or roundabout for example, the HGV may use some or all of the right hand lane in order to widen its turning angle
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- if you are following an HGV at a junction or roundabout, keep distance between your car and the HGV to allow for the extra space they may need
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- be careful when driving next to an HGV that needs to turn left or right - it may need the road space that you are occupying!
HGV blind spots
- nearly all vehicles have blind spots; large vehicles like HGVs have larger blind spot areas
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- remember when following a large vehicle that HGVs do not have a central rear view mirror, so they will not see you until you are alongside them
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- try to avoid entering an HGV's blind spot when it needs to turn or manoeuvre, for example at junctions and roundabouts (as we covered above)
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- avoid their blind spot when overtaking, as this will give them time to see you and allow you to pass
overtaking hgvs
- HGVs usually drive slower than cars, which often means car drivers need to overtake
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- an HGV may decide to overtake an even slower vehicle - this is another reason to stay out of their blind spot
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- avoid driving too close (tailgating) to an HGV, as this causes two problems:
1. they will not see you try to overtake if they decide to pull out
2. you will have less view of the road ahead
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- if you cannot see the HGV's door mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Always remember the MSPSL routine before overtaking
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- HGVs are long and take more time to overtake; only consider overtaking on a long and flat road if possible
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- in windy conditions also consider that an HGV could be blown sideways into your path; if the situation looks dangerous ask yourself if an overtake is necessary and safe
hump/arched bridges
- you will encounter a number of arched bridges on the roads; as HGVs are tall and wide they will often need to take up the centre of the road to pass under safely
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- be aware of road signs warning you of a humped bridge ahead and be prepared to give way to a large vehicle coming from the opposite direction
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- some signs may indicate the height and width of the bridge, and also the advisable height of an HGV using the bridge
wet weather
- HGVs produce a lot of spray when driving on wet roads, which can greatly restrict your view of the road ahead
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- maintain a good distance from HGVs on wet roads and follow the 4-second rule