With thousands of newly qualified drivers expected to take to the motorways for the first time this summer, National Highways and RED Driver Training are urging them to brush up on motorway safety, especially when driving near heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
Summer is a peak season for new drivers, with August consistently seeing some of the highest driving test pass rates. According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), an average of 49.2% passed their tests during August over the past three years, with 68,343 drivers passing in August 2024 alone.
However, data shows that young drivers under 30 years old account for a quarter of all car and van drivers killed or seriously injured in collisions involving HGVs.
In response, National Highways have joined forces with RED Driver Training to encourage all drivers, but particularly recent licence holders, to Know the HGV Zones and follow essential safety tips.
HGVs have four major areas of limited vision. There are three points to remember when travelling near to HGVs:
- Overtake with care: When 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 indicators clearly and early.
Colin Stevenson, road safety information lead at National Highways, said: “Summer is a really exciting time for young newly qualified drivers – many will be going on day trips with friends, heading to festivals, celebrating exam results, or even preparing to move away to university. As part of these new adventures, many will be driving on the motorway for the first time.
“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 blind spots, giving HGVs space, and staying visible can make all the difference in helping everyone get to their destination safely.”
Despite a 2018 law change allowing learner drivers to use motorways with an approved instructor and a dual controlled car, new research from National Highways and RED Driver Training reveals that over half (53%) of new drivers had never driven on a motorway before passing their test.
This lack of motorway experience is reflected in two in five (41%) newly qualified drivers admitting to panicking when an HGV is nearby, highlighting a need for better preparation around large vehicles.
Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driver Training, said: “At RED, our priority is always to ensure that new drivers understand all the rules of the road, including correct behaviours on motorways and how to behave around larger vehicles on the road.
”Experience is a major factor in driving safely on the motorway and we would encourage all new or learner drivers to consider additional training, which involves motorway driving with an approved instructor.”
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