National Highways has launched the next phase of a campaign to help car and van drivers understand the limitations HGV drivers face in seeing passing vehicles.
HGVs have zones of limited visibility and are considerably longer, heavier, and more powerful than standard vehicles. They also need more stopping distance.
In a survey commissioned by National Highways to mark the first launch of the campaign earlier this year, while nearly three quarters of people said they take extra care when overtaking a HGV, 36% said they did not know how many blind spots a HGV had.
HGV drivers have four areas of ‘limited visibility’ – at the front, rear and each side of their vehicle.
Additionally, 36% of respondents also admitted feeling nervous when passing trucks.
In the campaign video, drivers are urged to ‘know the zones’ where HGV drivers have limited visibility.
The advice for drivers is also to:
- Pass quickly and safely
- Where possible, don’t linger next to a HGV
Speaking in March 2023, Jeremy Phillips, head of road safety at National Highways, said: “Safety is our number one priority, and we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe when driving.
“Our advice to motorists overtaking a HGV is simple; avoid tailgating the HGV when considering an overtaking manoeuvre and as the Highway Code states, do so quickly and safely to avoid staying in an area of limited visibility.”
The National Highways campaign will be aired on radio, featured on TV on demand, online video, social media, billboards and posters.
It runs until December.
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