HGV Drivers Wish You Knew These 5 Things
Lets be honest, unless you've been behind the wheel of one, the average motorist doesn't have a clue what it's like to be in control of a HGV. People will often complain about them, and the constant parade of news articles doesn't always paint drivers in a great light, but the challenges drivers face are beyond what they understand. So this month, we want to share with you the 5 things HGV drivers wished other motorists knew.
HGV's Are Very Difficult To Manoeuvre
This might seem very obvious, but still the average UK driver gets amazingly impatient when a HGV has to block traffic for a few minutes in order to manoeuvre their trailer. Believe us, we understand your frustration, but we are moving an 18-metre vehicle that weights anything up to 40 tonnes, with limited visibility often around tight corners. The more experienced the driver, the better at this they will be, but even then, it takes a few minutes to do manoeuvres safely. So please, give us some space and trust that we want to be out of your way as much as you do.
HGV's Take Much Longer To Brake Than Cars
Again, obvious, but definitely worth taking into account when you are driving in front of or behind us, particularly on motorways. While you might be able to stop fairly quickly, usually around 100 feet, a fully loaded HGV will need at least 3 times that distance, if not 5. So if you are driving in front of a HGV and not paying attention to the road, your quick emergency stop will cause us serious problems, and is often the cause for motorway crashed involving HGV's. So please, when you see us, make sure you are braking in good enough time, and be patient as we slow down to approach intersections and roundabouts.
Our Speed Is Heavily Regulated
Have you ever noticed the little signs on the back of some HGV's that say 'speed regulated at 70'? Those signs mean that out vehicle can physically not go higher than 70 miles an hour that's to electronic limiters, which is often why we sit in the far-left hand lane of motorways. Yet you would be amazed how many drivers get frustrated when following an HGV. We are not trying to slow you down, we just can't go any faster.
We Can't See As Much As You Think We Can
Because of the size of lorries and other large vehicles, drivers are somewhat limited in their field of vision. HGV drivers definitely have to pay attention and be on the lookout for others at all times. However, pedestrian and other drivers need to make sure they can be easily seen and don't get in the way of a HGV with limited visibility.
The Road Belongs To Everyone
Based on an average driver profile compiled in 2007, your average UK driver was noticeably frustrated by non-commercial drivers who seemed to fail to understand that the road belongs to everyone. According to the survey, the average UK road user didn't have the patience or care with HGV's that they do with other road users. But HGV drivers are just doing their jobs, and we definitely aren't trying to inconvenience people or get in the way.
To find out more about HGVs or how to become a HGV driver, get in touch with us today.
