CRASH COURSE
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• Accidents involving LGVs happen and when they do the consequences are often serious. The reasons given differ but all are valid. "The problems with truck drivers only really start when they drive a vehicle which is not being properly maintained," says Rob McHugh. "There is a tendency among newcomers to the industry to underestimate the amount of capital required to run a haulage business. That leads to corners being cut and safety margins compromised."
The pattern of accidents is, according to one London police officer, generally the same for all types of vehicles and involves greater speed and following too close to the vehicle in front, In addition, LGV drivers suffer from a more restricted view of their immediate surroundings. In built-up areas they tend to be involved in accidents with pedestrians who cross in front of them and cyclists who try to come up on the nearside of a left turning lorry.
In spite of the occasional high-profile accident involving a defective LGV or PCV, the number of accidents caused by a mechanical defect is small. Remember that you are not a machine and therefore require rest and relaxation.