England's motorways and trunk roads are the arteries of industry. Each day, thousands of large goods vehicles traverse the country, transporting produce and keeping the economy moving. Driving a LGV requires skill, concentration and experience, with many factors that LGV drivers must take into account, such as the size of vehicles, stopping areas, rest facilities and bridge heights. To assist as they carry out their important job of keeping things moving, the Highways Agency has developed a website devoted solely to LGV drivers, as part of the Department for Transport’s road safety initiatives. Launched by Minister for Roads Dr Stephen Ladyman last month, www.heavygoodvehicle.com contains a range of useful information including how to avoid bridge strikes and driving tips for severe weather. It is available in English, German, French and Polish to cater for the increasing amount of foreign traffic.

Vehicle checks

A professional driver will always make a thorough safety check to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive before setting off on the journey. Failure to carry out this important check could result in heavy fines for the driver and the employer if the vehicle is found to be defective on the road. Any defects found should be reported in writing and appropriate action taken before starting your journey.

Basic checks will take you no more than a few minutes and should start with fuel, oil and water levels, through to cab checks and a walk around the vehicle looking for any defective lights, tyres, wheel fixings, and so on. Operational checks on electrics, steering and brake performance should be carried out before moving off. It is also the responsibility of the driver to make sure that the vehicle is not overloaded and is completely secure. If you notice that the load you are carrying has moved during the journey, then it is vital that you stop safely and take immediate steps to re-secure the load.

Planning your journey

A key message from the Highways Agency to any road users is to plan the journey ahead of time. This can be even more important for LGV drivers whose incomes rely on delivering the goods. By using the variety of sources available, drivers can get live travel information to help plan their journey. A useful tool is the Highways Agency’s Think Ahead Move Ahead publication. This hard-copy guide to journey planning is available through HAIL line 08457 50 40 30.

Drivers are encouraged to choose the safest route, rather than the quickest. Checking weather forecasts with the Met Office at <website> or <number> can help to identify any potential or current hazardous road conditions. Up-to-date information on roadworks or incidents is available at the Highways Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk or by phoning <number>. The Agency can also provide important information on the height of bridge crossings.

Bridge strikes

The size of some HGVs can make passing under bridges dangerous. The statistics show that most bridge strikes happen where roads pass under railway bridges. But strikes have been known to happen at pedestrian footbridges or other roads that may involve bridges. According to Network Rail, the main reason for rail bridge strikes is that the driver is unaware of the height of the vehicle (32%). Strikes also occur when the lorrymounted crane arm is left in the raised position (26%) or by failure to drive in the centre of the road to allow for an arch (11%). Experts agree that, without doubt, the best way to protect yourself against a bridge strike is to know the travelling height and width of your vehicle before you start your journey.

For vehicles with an overall height of 3m (approx 9’ 10”) or above, a notice is required by law to be displayed in the cab showing the maximum height. If you are driving an artic, remember to measure both tractor unit and semi-trailer as they may be different heights. Vehicle height should be checked again after unloading or reloading as suspension characteristics could increase the height of the unloaded vehicle. Consideration also needs to be given to what type of goods are being transported. Once all of this information is known, drivers should plan the route with this in mind, avoiding any bridges that might pose a problem.

The Good Practice Guide for Freight Transport Managers is a practical guide containing absolutely everything you need to know before you start your journey, including bridge locations and limits on vehicle heights. Also included with the guide is a route-planning and height-check proforma to make the whole process as trouble free as possible. The Guide for Professional Drivers gives professional advice on how to avoid bridge strikes during the journey. Particularly useful is the advice on the signing that is found at bridge sites, including the fact that the vehicle height limit indicated is only available when you drive between the white indicator lines on the bridge. The guide includes an imperial to metric conversion chart as a complete explanation of all road signs in current use.

Fatigue

Tiredness is one of the biggest killers on the road. The Highway Code recommends that drivers take a break every two hours. This is particularly important for HGV drivers who spend a lot of time on the road.

To stop you falling asleep at the wheel you should:

• Include plenty of rest stops when planning your journey: plan to make them every two hours. Don’t just drive to rule
  
  
• Try not to start the journey tired, ensure a good rest before driving
  
  
• Be aware if you drive at night you may be at more risk if you didn’t get a proper sleep during the day
  
  
• Don’t drive if you are at all unwell
  
  
• Never drive after drink or taking medicine or drugs and remember some over-the-counter medication can cause drowsiness
  
  
• You may be more tired between 2-4pm and the early hours of the morning as your natural energy slumps
  
  
• If tired, pull over where safe to do so and, if possible, try drinking a strong caffeine drink and take a 15-minute nap.

Truckstop Guide

To help HGV drivers identify the best place to stop and take that all-important break, the Highways Agency has produced the Truckstop Guide. The popular publication lists all truckstops on England’s motorways and major A roads and details the facilities available.

For a free printed copy, call the Highways Agency on 0870 1226 236 or e-mail highwaysagency@twoten. press.net

High winds

High winds can develop at any time of the year and without much warning. It’s important to check the weather reports before and during the driving period. Although important for all drivers, this is particularly important for HGV drivers. Proper planning to avoid areas susceptible to high winds such as high-level bridges, exposed viaducts or open stretches of road can help to mitigate the risk. If exposed to high wind conditions, reduce speed and always take on board advance warnings and avoid dangerous conditions as far as possible.

If in doubt, park up safely and make your employer aware of the circumstances. There is also an on-going debate as to whether empty curtain siders should be driven with the curtains open or closed. If you choose to tie them back make sure they are tied securely preventing them from coming loose and flapping during high winds. This can cause a potential hazard to other road users.

For more useful information relating to LGVs on England’s motorways and trunk roads, visit www.heavygoodvehicle.com

Overtaking

HGV vehicles are fitted with a speed limiter preventing it from travelling any faster than 56mph (96kph). This means that if two trucks are passing, both operating their limiters, the entire manoeuvre can take approximately four and a half minutes. This may infuriate other road users and can lead to further congestion or even accidents.

It’s best for drivers to be more responsive to the situation by dropping the cruise control when other truck drivers need to pass and be more responsive to the situation.

Sideswiping

With more and more left-hand-drive vehicles on our roads, sideswiping is becoming something of an issue despite additional curbside mirrors. Be aware by being extra vigilant and signalling well in advance of your manoeuvre. This allows any unseen vehicles to move into view.

For more information, visit: Website: www.heavygoodvehicle.com

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