A new road safety campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the risks of driving near heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) on the UK’s motorways.
The initiative, led by National Highways in partnership with RED Driver Training, aims to protect both new and experienced motorists by highlighting the dangers of HGV blind spots. Drivers in large trucks usually have limited vision in four places: directly in front of the cab, directly behind the vehicle, and diagonally behind the driver on both sides.
Drivers are being advised to avoid lingering by the side of HGVs, not to drive too close behind them, and to try and stay visible whenever possible to reduce the risk of collisions.
The campaign comes at a time when many new motorists will be taking to the roads, with tens of thousands passing their driving tests during the late summer months. In August 2024, just over 68,000 new drivers joined the roads.
Younger motorists are particularly vulnerable to these types of errors, as statistics show that a quarter of all drivers killed or seriously injured in collisions involving HGVs are aged under 30.
Colin Stevenson, road safety information lead at National Highways, said: “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.”
Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driver Training, added: “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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