Know The HGV Zones - Driving Safely Around HGV's With National Highways
When you’re departing Durham, making tracks from Maidstone or on the slip road at Sandbach Southbound and heading onto the motorway for journey onwards, you’ll often find yourself driving alongside heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). These large vehicles play a crucial role in keeping the country moving, but their size and limited visibility mean we all need to take extra care around them.
What Are HGV zones of limited vision?
HGVs have four key zones of limited vision, also known as blind spots. If you find yourself in one of these zones, the driver may not be able to see you, increasing the risk of a collision. These zones are:
Front: If you’re too close in front, the driver may not see your vehicle, and the HGV will need more time to stop if you brake suddenly.
Left Side: Avoid undertaking or lingering here, as the driver might not be aware of your presence.
Right Side: Overtaking HGVs takes longer than with smaller vehicles, so ensure you have enough room before pulling back in and the driver can see you.
Rear: If you can’t see the HGV’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you. Keep a safe distance to improve visibility and reaction time.
Tips for Staying Safe Around HGVs
✅ Stay Visible – Always position yourself where the HGV driver can see you. If you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you.
✅ Overtake with Care – Give yourself plenty of time and space. Never cut in too quickly after passing.
✅ Don’t Tailgate – Keep a safe distance behind HGVs so you can see the road ahead and react in time.
✅ Merge Safely – When leaving a service station, build up speed gradually and be aware of HGVs in the left-hand lane before rejoining the motorway.
See It from an HGV Driver’s Perspective
HGV drivers are highly trained, but their vehicles take longer to stop and require extra space to manoeuvre. Understanding their challenges helps us all drive more safely and considerately.
Next time you’re leaving a Roadchef site after your McDonald's, Costa Coffee or quick rest break, take an extra moment to check your positioning and stay out of HGV zones of limited vision. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping our roads safe for everyone and, most of all, you!