Highways Agency

Get More Out Of The Network

Get networking

Getting the best from the network means using it safely and effectively. Take a little time to dip into our safety sections and make sure that you’re doing everything you could be to keep yourself out in front.

Take a look at the entire trunk road network on the Highways Agency Network Map

Yes, we know you probably think you have better things to do, but if the info stops you from being one of the many road accident statistics that we have to deal with then we think that makes it pretty gripping stuff!

Tailgating

Keep your distance

Getting there in one piece is all about sensible driving practices, and tailgating is definitely not one of them. So don’t sit right behind the driver in front. Leave a big enough gap to allow the driver in front to stop safely by being at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front.

Sideswiping

Look, then look again

With more and more left hand drive vehicles on our roads, sideswiping is becoming something of an issue despite additional curbside mirrors. Be aware by being extra vigilant and signalling well in advance of your manoeuvre. This allows any unseen vehicles to move into view.

Tyres

Tread carefully

• Check tyres daily
• Tyres must be fully inflated at all times and be damage free
• Tyres must show at least 1mm of tread over 75% of the width of the tyre and cover the entire circumference 

The footprint of your tyres is about the size of a dinner plate. That’s pretty frightening when you consider that they have to take all the braking and acceleration force of your vehicle. Now do you see how important it is that you check them every day? It could save you from both accidents and financial penalties and also help to cut your fuel bills.

Just had new tyres fitted? You still need to check! Will those wheels stay on? Disturbed wheels should be re-tightened after about 20 and 200 miles using a torque wrench or properly set air tools.

Caution: A truck wheel bouncing down the carriageway at 56mph is lethal.

Seatbelts

Belt up

We know it probably doesn’t always happen, but wearing a seatbelt is the best way of saving your life during an accident. So it’s imperative that you, and any passengers wear a seatbelt at all times. The only time you are permitted to remain belt free is if you are driving a goods vehicle making deliveries or collections less than 50 metres apart.

Naturally children are not allowed to ride in the cab unless they use the right child restraint. The new legislation requires that children under 4’5” or under 12 years of age have a suitable child restraint. Those over the age of 12 must wear a well fitting seat belt.

Drivers: Make sure you’re comfortable and safely able to operate the controls once you’ve clipped in your belt . Front seat passengers. Sit as far back as possible from the dashboard to reduce the risk of serious head and chest injuries in the event of an accident.

Driver Impairment

Drink

Remember It is against the law to drive with:

• A breath alcohol level of more than 35 microgrammes per 100ml
• A blood alcohol level in excess of 80 milligrammes per 100ml

Everyone thinks they’ll know when they’ve had too much to drive safely. They also think that they know how long it will take for their body to deal with the alcohol so that they can get back behind the wheel. They’d be wrong.

There simply is no failsafe guide to mixing driving with alcohol, so our advice is simply don’t drink and drive. Alcohol always impairs your judgement and may weaken your resolve, as well as staying in your body for as long as 24 hours. So if you’ve an early start in the morning, lay off the booze the night before.

Any accident at any time that is attended by the police will result in drivers being asked to take a breath test.

Caution: If you receive a ban for drink-driving while driving an ordinary motor vehicle, you will also lose your LGV entitlement! And there’s no guarantee your entitlement will be given back when your car driving ban comes to an end. The Traffic Commissioners who regulate Goods Vehicle Operator Licensing have the power to extend the period of the ban to stop you driving for a living. They can remove your vocational entitlement (your HGV licence).

Drugs

You may not know it, but driving while under the influence of drugs is as dangerous and illegal as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Your company may be among those who have introduced random drug-testing for their drivers. Fail a test and you could face instant dismissal.

If you are taking drugs or medicines prescribed by your Doctor make sure you let your employer know.

If you take non-prescription drugs socially you should be aware of the fact that they will interfere with your driving ability and you should refrain from taking them in the same way that you would alcohol. You should also be aware that you may feel excessively tired the next day, which will also affect your driving.

Professional drivers should act as professionals – don’t take drugs.

Caution: Prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as cold and flu medication can cause you to feel drowsy while driving so always ask the advice of the pharmacist who dispenses your medication. Remember always to read the label of any medicine carefully, and if you feel ill, don’t drive!

Fatigue

Tiredness is one of the biggest killers on the road. The Highway Code recommends that you take a break every two hours. You should also try to avoid long journeys before or after a day’s work. An overnight stay could prevent a serious accident.

To stop you falling asleep at the wheel you should:

• Include plenty of rest stops when planning your journey: plan to make them every two hours. Don’t just drive to rule.
• Try not to start the journey tired, ensure a good rest before driving
• Be aware if you drive at night you may be at more risk if you didn’t get a proper sleep during the day
• Don’t drive if you are at all unwell
• Never drive after drink or taking medicine or drugs and remember some over-the-counter medication can cause drowsiness
• You may be more tired between 2-4pm and the early hours of the morning as your natural energy slumps.
• If tired pull over where safe to do so and, if possible, try drinking a strong caffeine drink and take a 15 minute nap 

Caution: Remember, a heavy meal can also make you feel drowsy and affect your driving. Plan to have smaller, more regular meals during your journey.

Mobile phones

Using a hand-held mobile phone, or other similar equipment, while driving is now illegal. It prevents the driver from maintaining complete control over the vehicle. And you can be heavily fined if caught. As the name suggests, a ‘hands-free kit’ will allow you to keep both hands on the wheel, yet will still cause a distraction.

The only safe alternative is to switch off your phone or turn your phone to messaging, and keep your phone calls for break times.

Caution: Use a mobile while driving and you are four times more likely to be involved in a serious road traffic accident.

Diesel spills

Fuel for thought

Diesel spills are incredibly dangerous for all road users, but particularly for motorcyclists. One small slide on an oily road can be fatal. A little thought can prevent both accidents for others and fuel wastage for you.

It’s tempting to fill up your tank to the brim when your truck only does around 
9 miles per gallon, and when frequent stops are a way of life. But your fuel filler cap is the only thing between the road and several hundred litres of hazardous diesel.

If you drive an older truck, excess fuel can spill out round the filler cap and straight onto the road.  The design of new trucks is far more considered and appropriate to the demands of the road and the driver. However, even though they have implemented supposedly fail-safe measures (such as tightly fitting fuel caps to control the spill of diesel) if it can’t escape it will travel through the overflow system and straight onto the road.

Does diesel expand?

Oil companies spend a significant amount of money on developing diesel that operates effectively in all temperatures. This confirms that diesel does expand in hot weather and contract in cold weather. Relatively small changes in temperature results in physical changes. These can be enough to push excess fuel through worn fuel caps or overflow pipes with disastrous consequences.

Caution: Always make sure that:

• You don’t overfill your tank
• Your fuel cap is fastened securely
• The seal in the cap is not torn, perished or missing
• There are no other defects that could cause fuel leaks