The Driver

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TIREDNESS
FITNESS TO DRIVE
MOBILE PHONES
SAFETY
OTHER ROAD USERS
EMERGENCY SERVICES

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25% of all serious road accidents are tiredness-related. As a professional driver it is your responsibility to make sure you are fit to drive your vehicle.

You are more at risk of an accident between the hours of 2am – 7am as this is when the majority of people’s body clock is telling them to sleep[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Tiredness Is a major contributing factor to road traffic accidents. As a driver of a LGV you are legally required to follow the drivers working hours and regulations.

You become more irritable that normal because of tiredness and this may result in you reacting to situations differently. If you feel yourself becoming irritable take a break.

The following steps can be taken to prevent tiredness

Eating a healthy diet and regular meals that fit in with your rest periods.

Open the window and turn down the heating until you can find a safe place to stop

Having a nap for 15 minutes is effective in reducing driver sleepiness

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You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t inform the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving.

Alcohol/Drugs

Alcohol can stay in the system for up to 48 hours

Drugs can stay in your system for up to 72 hours

Both can carry a prison sentence if you are found guilty of an offence

Do not risk your life and licence!

Medication: Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs will affect driving by causing drowsiness and impair alertness. Drivers should always check with their doctor or pharmacist if any medication they take can impair their driving[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]MOBILE PHONES

Driving today requires all of your attention, all of the time. Any distraction, however brief, is dangerous. This is why it’s illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

Make sure that you pull up in a place that does not obstruct other road users.

Let calls go to voicemail and return them when it is safe to do so

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Always wear your seat belt when driving – You may drive without your seatbelt under the following circumstances:

A driver who is reversing, or supervising a learner driver who is reversing

Driving a goods vehicle on deliveries that is travelling no more than 50 metres between stops

Medical exemption – Carry a Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing’ with you at all times

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As a driver of a LGV you are trained to a high standard. As a result of this you must also take into consideration other road users who may not always be as aware of situations.

Do not block junctions or turns.

Leave space when over taking cyclists and horse riders.

Adjust your speed to suit the situation.

Don’t intimidate or block other road users by using your horn, revving the engine or pumping your air brakes.

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The Highway Code indicates that you should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police cars and any other emergency vehicles, whenever you are on the road.

When you hear the sirens or see flashing lights, try to locate the vehicle and consider the route that it may take

Let it pass, but be careful not to contravene any traffic signs or rules of the road

Don’t panic or brake suddenly

Pull over onto the side of the road if it is safe to do so

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