The move follows a recent survey commissioned by National Highways in which 36% of respondents said they did not know how many blind spots a HGV had.
In the campaign video, supported by the Road Haulage Association, Logistics UK and other HGV bodies, drivers are being urged to ‘know the zones’ where HGV drivers have limited visibility.
HGV drivers have four areas of limited visibility at the front, rear and each side of their vehicle.
Lorries now have additional mirrors as standard which has improved driver visibility, but not completely eliminated blind spots.
The advice for drivers is:
Know the zones - HGVs have four zones around them where their visibility is limited - at the front, back and both sides. If you don’t know where they are, you could be sitting in one without even realising.Pass quickly and safelyWhere possible, don’t linger next to a HGV.Head of road safety at National Highways Jeremy Phillips, said: “Safety is our number one priority, and we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe when driving. Our advice to motorists overtaking a HGV is simple; avoid tailgating the HGV when considering an overtaking manoeuvre and as the Highway Code states, do so quickly and safely to avoid staying in an area of limited visibility.”
Road safety minister Richard Holden said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world, but we are not complacent and are always looking at ways to make them safer. Making motorists aware of HGV blind spots will help prevent road collisions and support our ambitions of building a safer road network.”