Vigilance keeps HGV drivers safe and compliant

Drivers of HGVs are held to much higher standards than car drivers, with more serious consequences for similar offences. Martin Candish, head of compliance information at Logistics UK, highlights two key areas where driver knowledge is crucial for safety and compliance

In its 2024-25 Annual Report, the Traffic Commissioners of Great Britain explains how drivers of large commercial vehicles are held to higher standards of conduct than car drivers, with dramatic differences in penalties for similar offences. 

The commissioners give the example of how a car driver committing two speeding offences may receive a £100 fine and three penalty points for each offence, but the same offences committed in a commercial vehicle will typically start with a referral to a conduct hearing where a six-week suspension may be imposed, with potential loss of earnings for the driver.

It is therefore essential that heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers are aware of their personal responsibilities and the potential issues that offences could create. Here we look at two areas where driver knowledge has a material impact on compliance and operational safety, namely walkaround checks and best practice to employ in order to avoid bridge strikes.

Walkaround checks

Drivers are legally responsible for the condition of their vehicle so carrying out a walkaround check before use, and continuously monitoring its performance while working, is vital. These checks are an important part of a robust maintenance system, which is the first line of defence when it comes to detecting faults. 

According to the DVSA’s enforcement statistics, the most common faults apply to tyres, braking systems, lamps and steering and many of the faults could be detected during a thorough walkaround check. If tyres are worn, damaged or cut, a significant amount of these defects can be seen with a good inspection of the tyre. Underinflated tyres are also a common defect which can easily be identified.

With brake system and components, simply listening for air leaks would eliminate a significant number of defects. Lamps not working is another easy thing to check but both could lead to a roadside prohibition, fines, and penalty points from a DVSA or police check if not addressed.

Drivers should adopt a routine for their checks that covers the whole of the vehicle without overseeing areas unnecessarily. The routine should be simple, thorough and repeatable so that it can be carried out easily and efficiently. Drivers must ensure all lights are checked; all tyres inspected for damage and correct inflation and ensure there are no air leaks, both with the foot brake on and off, when testing with full air pressure.

Driver behaviour can prevent bridge strikes

On the road, driver behaviour has a direct impact on safety, and one area where preparation in advance can make a significant difference is in preventing bridge strikes. Network Rail claims over 1,800 railway bridge strike incidents occur every year – almost five a day across the country – costing the UK taxpayer around £23 million annually and causing significant disruption to road and rail traffic.

Disappointingly, and despite the high degree of attention and publicity bridge strikes receive, they continue to be costly, time-consuming and potentially extremely dangerous for many parts of the logistics sector. Just as simple walkaround checks can form part of a robust planned maintenance programme, rudimentary knowledge like knowing the vehicle’s height, following appropriate routes and adhering to advisory and warning signs have a dramatic effect in reducing the potential for bridge collisions.

Vehicle height

Drivers should always know the overall height and width of their vehicle which should be checked each time before commencing a journey. The overall height should match that displayed in the cab; any over-height warning device fitted should have its operation checked by the driver as part of their daily check. Drivers should have appropriate training and equipment to do this (for example, a height measuring pole) and they should feel empowered to challenge any discrepancies.

Route planning

It is essential to use up-to-date commercial vehicle route planning software, satellite navigation equipment or atlases which account for height restrictions. The risk of bridge strikes should be assessed using the correct vehicle width and height, with vehicle heights exceeding 4.95m and widths exceeding 2.9m needing special consideration. Routes should be mapped in advance and contingency plans factored in to work around possible incidents and road closures. Operators also need to ensure schedules provide sufficient flexibility so drivers do not suffer excessive pressure or fatigue which are likely to induce errors.

Bridge signs

Bridges less than 16’ 6” (5.03m) high will display height restriction signs in imperial and metric measurements and drivers should be trained to recognise these signs and act on them. There are two types of signs; a triangle sign is a warning, and a round sign is an order. In both cases, if the vehicle is higher than the dimensions indicated, drivers should not pass the sign and use an alternative route.

Beware of complacency

Drivers need to be aware of the risk of complacency when performing regular height checks, especially when the same measurement is recorded each time. In these situations, drivers can feel there is seemingly no benefit from carrying out the task and may be tempted to omit it altogether. When this is coupled with the common optimism bias that creates the impression “it won’t happen to me”, professional drivers are at higher risk of making errors of judgement. 

Operators need to be aware that this is a possibility and ensure they provide drivers with regular reminders of potential risks, through methods like toolbox talks, driver meetings, driving assessments and supervisory audits. Prominent “Know your height” signage at site exits is also another way of ensuring vehicle heights remain at the forefront of a driver’s mind.

Ultimately, maintaining compliance and safety in commercial vehicle operations relies on both driver vigilance and operator support. Thorough walkaround checks and careful attention to vehicle height and route planning are simple but vital steps in preventing incidents that can delay journeys and incur significant costs. Consistent training, awareness, and reinforcement help prevent costly, dangerous incidents and protect both livelihoods and public safety.