New drivers targeted in HGV road safety campaign

Young drivers under the age of 30 account for a quarter of all car and van drivers killed or seriously injured in collisions involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). 

To combat the problem, National Highways has joined forces with Red Driver Training to encourage all drivers, but particularly recent licence holders, to ‘Know the HGV Zones’.

HGVs have four major areas of limited vision, so when travelling near to HGVs drivers should overtake with care, avoid tailgating and be visible by staying out of blind spots and using indicators clearly and early.  

Colin Stevenson, road safety information lead at National Highways, said: “Driving near large vehicles like HGVs can be intimidating. That’s why we’re urging all new drivers to understand how to stay safe around them.

“Knowing the blind spots, giving HGVs space, and staying visible can make all the difference in helping everyone get to their destination safely.”  

Despite a 2018 law change allowing learner drivers to use motorways with an approved instructor and a dual controlled car, new research from National Highways and Red Driver Training reveals that more than half (53%) of new drivers had never driven on a motorway before passing their test.  

This lack of motorway experience is reflected in two in five (41%) newly qualified drivers admitting to panicking when an HGV is nearby, highlighting a need for better preparation around large vehicles. 

Seb Goldin, CEO at Red Driver Training, said: “At Red, our priority is always to ensure that new drivers understand all the rules of the road, including correct behaviours on motorways and how to behave around larger vehicles on the road.

“Experience is a major factor in driving safely on the motorway and we would encourage all new or learner drivers to consider additional training, which involves motorway driving with an approved instructor.”