When you drive for a living, road safety should always be a top priority, especially for HGV drivers. Due to the size and weight of heavy goods vehicles, taking extra precautions is essential to protect both the driver and other road users.
Without taking additional care behind the wheel, HGV drivers increase the risk of road accidents, which can not only lead to HGV insurance claims but also cause serious damage and injury.
Whether you’re newly qualified and looking for practical guidance or an experienced driver in need of a refresher, this guide covers some key tips to help you stay safe on the road.
Before setting off
Road safety starts well before your journey begins. There are a number of safety checks you should carry out before setting off.
Walkaround checks
Before every journey, you should carry out a full daily walkaround check of your lorry. If you identify any faults or safety concerns, they must be reported immediately, and the vehicle should not be driven until the issue has been resolved.
It’s important to note that the DVSA can ask for a record of your walkaround check at the roadside if they pull you over, and you could get a fine or prison sentence for using an HGV in dangerous condition.
Inside vehicle checks include:
- Your front view (mirrors, cameras, and glass)
- Windscreen wipers and washers
- Dashboard warning lights and gauges
- The steering wheel and horn
- Brakes
- Height marker
- Seatbelts
- Condition of the cab, doors and steps.
Outside vehicle checks include:
- Fuel and oil
- Lights and indicators
- Engine and exhaust.
Load security checks
All loads carried on HGVs need to be secured, regardless of how long the journey will be. This protects road users, pedestrians, and people loading and driving the vehicle.
If you load your own vehicle, you must make sure that the equipment you use is in suitable condition and appropriate for use. It will need to be strong enough to prevent the load in your HGV from moving while you drive.
If someone else loads your vehicle, you should check that the load is secure before you start your journey, if possible.
Make sure to check load restraints regularly during your journey, especially after any harsh braking or swerving.
On the road
Road safety goes beyond pre-journey checks – staying alert and aware while driving is just as important. Here are some key safety considerations to keep in mind while on the road.
Speed management
Following speed limits and adjusting your speed to suit the road conditions is essential for safe HGV driving. Due to their size and weight, lorries take longer to brake and are more difficult to manoeuvre, meaning even slight increases in speed can raise the risk of accidents.
Drivers should always stick to legal speed limits and slow down when faced with poor weather, reduced visibility, or heavy traffic to help maintain control and reduce the likelihood of collisions.
Blind spot awareness
HGVs have large blind spots, particularly along the sides, directly in front, and behind the trailer. These areas can easily hide smaller vehicles or pedestrians.
Never assume the road space around your vehicle is clear without checking multiple viewpoints.
To improve awareness, you should:
- Take extra care when turning or changing lanes
- Use all mirrors frequently
- Use camera or sensor systems where fitted.
Safe braking distances
The additional weight of an HGV means that stopping distances can be up to 50% higher than a car in similar conditions.
Always maintain a safe following distance to give yourself enough space to react safely if the vehicle in front of you slows down or suddenly stops.
Driver health
Your health plays a huge role in driving safely. Working long hours behind the wheel and dealing with irregular sleep schedules can have an impact on your overall wellbeing and ability to concentrate on the road.
You should aim to:
- Recognise the signs of fatigue and take action accordingly
- Take regular rest breaks and stay alert on long journeys
- Take care of your mental wellbeing as well as your physical health.
Professional driving can be demanding, and looking after your health is just as important as maintaining your vehicle. A healthy driver is more alert and better equipped to handle challenging road conditions safely.
Final thoughts
Professional HGV driving demands high levels of planning and concentration to stay safe on the roads.
Drivers can significantly reduce the risk of incidents by carrying out thorough vehicle checks, practicing safe driving, and looking after their overall health. By staying alert and following best practices every day, HGV drivers can help keep themselves and everyone around them safe.
