Foreign lorry crashes up by 10 per cent

Accidents involving foreign lorries have risen by 10 per cent over the past twelve months.

Foreign lorries are three times more likely to be involved in collisions than UK lorries, according to the Association of British Insurers.

Most accidents were the result of ‘side-swiping,’ which is commonly caused by left-hand drive lorries due to their wide blind spot.

Despite the rise in accidents, the amount of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) on the road decreased by 12 per cent.

Are you concerned about foreign lorries? Have your say on the Auto Trader Blog

What is side-swiping?

Side-swiping is caused when motorists are travelling in a HGV’s blind spot.

If the lorry changes lane when a vehicle is in its blind spot, the lorry could collide into the side of the vehicle.

This is especially the case when a vehicle is overtaking or undertaking the HGV:

To reduce side-swiping, the Department for Transport (DFT) has handed out over 200,000 special mirrors to foreign lorries entering the country since December 2007.

The wide angle lenses fit to the right side of left-hand drive lorries, allowing the driver to see more easily.

This has helped reduce the number of accidents but many drivers don't have the mirrors and crashes are still happening.

How can I avoid a lorry driver’s blind spot?

We talked to Ray Engley, public affairs manager for the Road Haulage Association who gave us his top tips:

1. Always leave one lane free between you and the lorry
2. If you’re next to the front-half of the lorry and behind the driver’s front cab, the lorry driver may not be able to see you
3. If a lorry is in the middle lane, wait for it to return to the left-hand lane before overtaking
4. If you must overtake in the lane next to the lorry, take care – remain vigilant and observant at all times
5. Keep aware of the lorry until you’ve passed it

What should I do if I’m involved in a collision?

If you’re involved in a collision, seek emergency help if necessary. Call your insurer and inform them when it’s safe to do so.

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) officers and the police can stop public service vehicles and HGVs. Both have the power to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £900 to drivers of foreign vehicles if they commit offences.