Safely overtaking Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs)

As part of our commitment to safe driving and general road safety, we’ve teamed up with National Highways on their ‘Know the Zones’ campaign.

We are pleased to share some important tips on safely overtaking Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). It is crucial to understand that drivers are not always visible around HGVs, and overtaking them requires extra caution.

As a student driver, you might not necessarily travel much immediately on motorways, but it is important to appreciate the visibility issues that drivers of larger vehicles have and you might well encounter them on dual carriageways, and of course on motorways once you’ve passed your test!

Key points to remember:

Visibility: HGVs have large blind spots, areas of limited vision, and drivers may not see you if you are driving close to them. Always ensure you are visible to the HGV driver before attempting to overtake.
Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the HGV before overtaking. This gives you more time to react to any sudden movements or changes in traffic conditions.
Clear Signals: Use clear and early signals to indicate your intention to overtake. This helps the HGV driver understand your actions and adjust accordingly.
Speed: Overtake at a safe and consistent speed. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration, as this can create dangerous situations.
Patience: Be patient and wait for a suitable opportunity to overtake. Do not rush or force your way past the HGV.

By following these tips, you can help ensure the safety of yourself and other road users.