Freight and Haulage Vehicle Safety
Freight and haulage is the backbone of the economy yet the public perception of heavy goods vehicles is poor. They are seen as machines that dominate the roads and cause collisions, congestion and noise pollution.
Statistically, HGV drivers are safer than car drivers, having half as many accidents per miles traveled, but the size and weight of heavy goods vehicles mean that when a collision does occur, the consequences can be far greater.
Generally the larger a vehicle, the less visibility the driver will have, and an HGV is likely to have extensive blind spots to the rear, side, front and nearside of the cab. Many incidents involving vulnerable road users, especially cyclists are due to the nearside blind spot.
