National Highways has launched a new campaign amid concerns car and van drivers underestimate limitations HGV drivers face in seeing passing vehicles.

In a recent survey commissioned by National Highways, 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.

Lorries now have additional mirrors as standard which has improved driver visibility, but not completely eliminated ‘blind spots’.

Additionally, 36% also admitted feeling nervous when passing trucks.

In the campaign video, supported by the Road Haulage Association, Logistics UK and other HGV bodies, drivers are being 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

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.

Richard Holden, road safety minister, said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world, but we are not complacent and are always looking at ways to make them safer.

“Making motorists aware of HGV blind spots will help prevent road collisions and support our ambitions of building a safer road network.”

To find out more visit: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/article/know-the-zones-national-highways-launches-hgv-blind-spots-safety-campaign/