Unless you have ever been behind the wheel of a HGV, the average motorist has no clue about what it is like to be in control of one. HGV drivers pass through extensive training starting from CPC qualification from certified, professional bodies such as www.cpctraining.com to 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. Yet, people often love complaining about HGVs while the news articles that are constantly churned out do not always paint HGV drivers in the best light, but challenges that those drivers encounter are beyond their understanding. This article would like to share with you the five things that HGV drivers would like other motorists to know.
Table of Contents
1. HGVs are Quite Hard to Manoeuvre
This point might seem rather obvious, but the average UK driver still gets incredibly impatient when a HGV has to block traffic for a couple of minutes while manoeuvring the trailer. We do understand your frustration but try to consider that we are moving an 18-metre vehicle weighing as much as 40 tonnes with limited visibility, usually around tight corners. The higher the level of experience of the driver, the better they will be at it but even then it will still take several minutes to manoeuvre safely. Please give us some trust and space since we want to be out of your way as much as you do.
2. HGVs Require Longer Braking Distances Than Cars
It is worth taking into account the braking distance of a HGV when driving either behind or in front of one especially on the motorways. While it might not be possible for you to stop relatively quickly, typically about 100 feet, a HGV that’s fully loaded will require 3 times this distance or even 5. If you are driving in front of a HGV without paying attention to the road, an emergency stop can cause serious problems and is usually the cause for motorway crashes that involve HGVs. When you see a HGV, ensure that you brake in good time and exercise patience as a HGV slows down to approach roundabouts and intersections.
3. The Speed of HGVs is Regulated
If you look closely behind some HGVs, you will notice little signs that say “speed regulated at 70”. The signs means that a HGV is not allowed to go higher than 70 miles per hour that is to electronic limiters. It is the reason why you often find HGVs using the far left hand lane in motorways. Still you will be surprised by the number of drivers that get frustrated when they follow an HGV. HGVs are not trying to slow you down, it is just that they are unable to go any faster.
4. HGV Drivers Cannot See as Much as Other Drivers Think
Due to the size of lorries and large vehicles, drivers have a somewhat limited field of vision. HGV drivers have to pay attention constantly and have to constantly be on the lookout for other vehicles. However, other motorists and pedestrians should ensure that they are visible and do not get in the way of a HGV that has limited visibility.
5. The Road Belongs to Everyone
According to the average driver profile that was compiled in 2007, the average UK driver is noticeably frustrated by non-commercial drivers that seem to not understand that the road belongs to everybody. The survey revealed that the average UK road user did not have a care or patience with HGVs that they do with other road users. However, HGV drivers are only doing their jobs and are not trying to get in the way or inconvenience people.