Common Road Hazards Faced by HGV Drivers and How They Can Be Mitigated

Truck drivers face long hours each day and can drive complex, cross country routes which can take its own toll, without added hazards along the way. Ideally, truckers would plan their journey in advance however routes can always change depending on the circumstances, and so to ensure drivers are prepared for their next journey ahead we’ve put together common hazards you may face on your next journey but with some helpful tips on how to avoid them.

Roadworks

Roadworks can become a major concern and potential hazard for HGV drivers. Roadworks can cause lengthy delays and can make the road far more narrow than usual, sometimes only just wide enough for an HGV to pass through.

Using Sat Nav’s and mobile apps such as Google Maps and Waze can help you plan your route, identify areas with roadworks and avoid these routes to prevent you from running into any issues. Within these apps, you can change your vehicle from a car to an HGV so the app will work out which roads are most suitable for trucks of different sizes.

Roadworks not only create tight lanes for HGV’s, they can cause costly delays. If you are late to schedule deliveries or have to take your break earlier because you’re sat in traffic, this can have an impact on the customer and your business as a whole.

Truck drivers should always be very cautious around roadworks. Roadworkers may not always be visible and if the road is far narrower, it may mean you have to manoeuvre around other cars and parked cars. If you aren’t alert, you could easily cause harm or damage to other vehicles.

Correct route planning can help mitigate the risk of roadworks, the stress they include and the potential delays.

Weather

Although the weather cannot be managed, it definitely has an impact on how truck drivers use the road and plan ahead.

Rain can cause low visibility and slippery roads which impacts the vehicles overall stopping distance. During rain, it is recommended that HGV drivers stay below the speed limit for the road so they can still stop within a safe distance and not cause any danger to other road users.

Snow and ice are the worst conditions for any driver to try and drive in, and this is no different for truck drivers. You must stay below the recommended speed limit and increase your distance from the vehicle in front of you so you can safely stop. During this weather, you should carry the essentials such as grit, sand and a shovel to help you if you get stuck.

During the summer months, the sun and glare can also have an impact on your driving. You may not be able to clearly see what is in front due to the brightness or reflection of the light from other vehicles. This can be very dangerous as you may not be able to spot traffic slowing down or road signs, installing a sun strip on your windscreen or investing in a pair of suitable sunglasses is recommended.

Planning ahead, knowing the weather and having the correct equipment for each weather condition is how truck drivers can mitigate the risk of being stranded or at risk.

Debris

During high winds and storms, debris can cause unexpected problems on the road. Trees and branches can be blown into the road and even completely close the road. During adverse weather conditions, truck drivers should stay up-to-date with the latest news and traffic reports so you are aware of this and can plan your route around any potential delays or road closures.

Pedestrians

When driving a three to four tonne vehicle, you are not able to suddenly stop similarly to a car. This can create very dangerous situations when pedestrians are involved. Trucks have multiple blind spots where they cannot see vehicles or people.

When driving in populated areas such as towns and city centres, stay aware and scan the road and pavements for people stepping out or anticipating that they are going to step out. Driving at reduced speeds will help increase your chances of stopping your vehicle and reduce the chance of an accident taking place.

Reckless drivers

Truckers share the road with all types of vehicles and drivers, and sometimes, not all drivers follow the law. Reckless drivers that speed, tailgate and weave put truck drivers at risk of accidents.

To avoid such accidents, and prepare for reckless drivers, truck drivers should know their defensive driving skills, which include keeping a safe distance from other vehicles and being aware of their surroundings at all times.

Truck drivers should also be prepared to take evasive action if necessary, such as pulling over or braking suddenly. Managing your own driving mitigates the risks posed by other drivers.

Road conditions

It is well known that roads in the UK are not always kept in the best condition. Potholes are a huge threat to HGV drivers as they can burst your tyres and could potentially cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

When driving, scanning the road surface ahead of you is important as you may be able to avoid large potholes that could cause significant damage to your vehicle. However, you should only avoid potholes if it is safe to do so and there is no oncoming traffic as a sudden swerve could cause an imbalance in your vehicle’s weight distribution, potentially leading to an accident.

Health

Your health could become a hazard to other drivers, if you do not feel well enough to drive, you should inform the correct people and pull over. Whenever you are ill, you could be putting other road users in danger as your wellness could deteriorate whilst driving which can lead to a lack of concentration on what’s around you, potentially putting others at risk of an accident.

If you are experiencing high stress levels, or a lack of sleep it is also recommended to limit your driving hours or ensure you feel fit enough to drive as this can also lead to your health potentially impacting other drivers on the road.

Your employers could also help with your health by offering professional medical advice and routine check ups when required.

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