National Highways have launched “Know Your Zones” campaign that focuses on driving safely around HGVs on the road. Also, highlights the importance of HGV drivers to properly check for vehicles before changing lanes.
Did you know that… HGVs have four main limited visibility zones?
HGVs have zones all around them, where their vision is limited, so don’t linger around an HGV. If you are behind an HGV, stay well back so you can see the road ahead.
Please watch the short video below to learn more about how you can make it easier for an HGV to see you whilst you’re travelling.
- Front zone: If you are too close, they won’t be able to see you. When driving in front of an HGV, bus or coach, ensure there is enough space to allow them to see you.
- Left zone: If you do find yourself in the left lane with an HGV on your right, you should manoeuvre yourself out of the limited vision zone safely, as the driver might not have seen you.
- Rear zone: When driving behind an HGV, if you’re unable to see the HGV’s external mirrors or cameras, the driver cannot see you. Make yourself more visible by pulling back to where you can be seen.
- Right zone: Overtake with care. Make sure that you have enough room ahead to complete your overtaking manoeuvre, this will ensure that you are not lingering in a zone of limited vision to the driver.
There are three simple ways you can improve your safety when driving around HGVs and other large vehicles.
- Stay visible
- Overtake with care
- Don’t tailgate.
