#KnowTheZones – A Campaign Recap

Do you ‘Know the Zones’?

The National Highways launched the ‘Know the Zones’ campaign earlier this year with the aim of improving awareness of how to drive safely on the roads when in the vicinity of an HGV.

Large vehicles such as HGVs have zones of limited visibility and car drivers often underestimate the size and position of these zones, which can affect the safety of all road users.

In this blog, we’ll be exploring the importance of safe driving around HGVs and what the key zones of visibility are for heavy goods vehicle drivers.

Why it’s so important to drive safely around HGVs

Safety of all road users

HGVs are larger and heavier than other vehicles, making them harder to manoeuvre as well as stop and start. This means it’s essential that other road users maintain a safe distance from them, especially when driving in front or beside them.

Adopting this approach can help prevent accidents and ultimately protect the safety of all road users.

Blind spots

HGVs also have large blind spots, particularly on the left-hand side of the vehicle, which can make it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, so road users should be aware of this and avoid driving in these areas.

It’s also important for drivers to note that mirrors on HGVs are often convex, which can distort the image of the road and makes it difficult for lorry drivers to judge distances accurately.

Longer stopping distances

HGVs tend to have longer stopping distances than other vehicles, especially when carrying a heavy load and therefore, other road users should avoid cutting in front of them or overtaking them in a way that could cause the driver to brake suddenly.

Goods protection

Another thing to consider is that HGVs often transport valuable and sometimes hazardous goods, which need to be protected during transit. Road users who drive recklessly around HGVs not only put themselves at risk but also put the safety of the cargo and the driver in danger.

What are the zones of limited visibility?

It’s crucial for other road users to remember not to linger in the following zones to keep both themselves and HGV drivers safe…

Front zone

HGV cabs are in an elevated position and therefore, drivers have a higher vantage point so won’t be able to see you if you get too close in front of them.

If you’re driving in front of an HGV, then you should ensure there is enough space between your vehicle and the lorry so as to give them enough room to brake safely, if they need to.

Left zone

Undertaking is a cardinal sin on the roads, but it can be particularly dangerous in the vicinity of an HGV. You shouldn’t overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake a lorry and if you do find yourself with an HGV to your right, you should safely manoeuvre yourself out of the limited visibility zone safely.

Right zone

When you overtake a heavy goods vehicle, do so with care and ensure that you have plenty of room ahead of you to overtake to avoid lingering at the side of a lorry. It’s also key that you’re aware of what’s behind you so that there’s enough room for you to pull back in to where the driver can see you.

Rear zone

Tailgating is another big issue on UK roads and it’s a cause of a huge number of collisions. Driving too close behind an HGV is particularly dangerous as drivers simply won’t see you and you won’t be able to see the road ahead.

The general rule would be if you can’t see the lorry’s external mirrors or cameras, the driver won’t be able to see you. In this case, make sure you pull back to a position where you can be seen, which would generally be about three car lengths.

If you know the zones and understand the perspective of a heavy goods vehicle driver, it’s much easier for all road users to stay safe.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the #KnowTheZones campaign on Twitter and LinkedIn! Or, for more blogs from our team, head to our website!