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Road Safety

Hot Topic - Left-hand drive heavy goods vehicles

There are several reasons why left-hand drive HGV's from the continent are more dangerous than the right-hand drive vehicles that were designed for use on UK roads.  One of the main dangers is lack of adequate visibility on the offside of the vehicle.  As the number of these trucks and lorries on our roads increases, urgent action is needed to try to reduce the dangers to other road users.

If you feel strongly about the dangers, why not contact your MP to express your views?

Of course, this problem is not just limited to foreign left-hand vehicles visiting the UK.  A similar problem exists when right-hand drive vehicles from the UK travel to the continent.  The challenge for politicians is to try and reduce the number of left-hand drive HGV-related accidents, deaths and injuries while not introducing legislation that would create unacceptable barriers to trade.

Here, at 'The Pass', the webmaster feels strongly about this subject as, in July 2006, he and his son were nearly killed on the M6 motorway in an accident with a left-hand drive HGV. The accident was entirely the fault of the HGV driver and the cause was him changing lane without adequate visibility of the offside of his vehicle.  This was not an unusual case, as this recent BBC news report shows.

'Aggressive' bull bars - Posing a pointless hazard to pedestrains

The UK government is aware of the problem of additional, unnecessary injury caused to pedestrians involved in collisions with vehicles fitted with 'aggressive' bull bars.

In 1997, the Department of the Environment and the Regions published its Consultation on Options for National Action which clearly identified the dangers.

Some progress has been made.  The EC and the European Automobile Industry have agreed that, from January 2002, new cars in the UK can't be sold with bull bars fitted.  However, there is a legacy population of vehicles with these lethal fashion accessories, and owners of new cars are able to fit them after purchase.

Reducing Driving Stress

  • Ensure your car's windows and mirrors are clean.
  • Take a break at least every two hours.
  • Avoid driving more than 400 miles a day.
  • Keep within the speed limit.
  • Allow adequate journey time.
  • Plan your route in advance.
  • Regularly service and maintain your car.
  • Check your seat and steering column are correctly adjusted.

Driving Test Success All Tests (New Edition)


Looking for a gift for a learner driver? Check out Driving Test Success All Tests (2007/2008 Edition).

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