Truck driver says ‘amateur’ drivers are dangerous – that’s what you’re doing wrong

An HGV driver has explained the most annoying and dangerous things drivers do when on the roads – in a bid to get motorists to think more carefully about the danger of lorries. Training specialists Driver Hire spoke to professional HGV driver Steven Harris to find out his chauffeur is angry about working for 30 years on the UK’s roads.

Steven said he has seen a number of very dangerous drivers in his time on the road. Recalling one incident, he said: “A lady was watching Deal or No Deal on a computer in her car in the middle lane of the motorway. When she was pulled over by the police, she denied doing it, even though the video camera in my truck showed her doing it.”

Steven said even drivers who may not think they are doing anything wrong can create hazards. He said: “One of my pet peeves is when you overtake a slower vehicle on the motorway and then it speeds up as you get alongside it.

“This is not only annoying but also dangerous for HGV drivers who want to pull safely into the left hand lane. To avoid collisions (as well as infuriating professional drivers), maintain your speed to let the faster vehicle pass, and if you want to accelerate, wait and overtake in the middle lane later.”

He also listed intersections, rear exits and late exits from freeways as “pet hates”, adding: “Sometimes cars will pull out of a side road in front of you as you approach, even when there’s nothing behind you, so it could have waited. . With a heavy HGV you have to brake harder than a car would.

“Instead, please respect large vehicles and their increased stopping distances and wait until there is a reasonable gap to exit the road to continue your journey.”

He added: “The worst weather to drive in, for me, is really heavy rain. When driving in these conditions, it’s worse and more dangerous than drivers who cut off other road users and don’t double their braking distance. When it’s raining you should always double your braking distance as it will take twice as long to stop on a wet road. Even during the day, in poor driving conditions, always make sure you turn on your lights to increase visibility.”

Steven said: “Something else you see regularly as a professional driver are cars, vans and even smaller trucks crossing up to 3 lanes of traffic to get out. Even many times they will pass the white road markings because they left it too late.

“If you realize you’re meant to exit and you’re in the wrong lane, it’s always best to move on. There will always be an option to redirect and go back the way you came. while traveling, however, it will keep you and other road users safe and save you from receiving a fine or even a driving ban.”

Anmd Steven’s latest upset comes down to breaks. He said: “Cars and vans will sometimes park in the middle of the rest areas, leaving no room for lorry drivers like me to park. Cars blocking entrances are also very frustrating as you then have to try to reverse or drive your big car.

“Everyone needs to use the stations from time to time and it is a safe place for all road users to stop to check directions, have something assessed on your vehicle or even take a quick break. However, when using them, be aware Park respectfully, away from entrances and exits. Always leave room for other drivers to stop and remember that large vehicles also need room to speed up when leaving a stop zone to filter safely.

5 tips for UK drivers from a pro

1. Learn the Highway Code
“Everyone needs to learn the Highway Code to pass their driving test, but after a few years you might start to forget. To stay safe when driving, consult the Highway Code regularly and keep an up-to-date copy as the rules often change,” says Steven.

2. To have respect for other road users
“There is nothing worse than encountering disrespectful or rude drivers when you drive for a living, but unfortunately it is not uncommon. However, having respect for other road users will keep you safe, as well as other drivers,” says Steven.

3. Drive carefully
“Always drive carefully, defensively, not offensively,” advises Steven. “Careless driving causes so many accidents in the UK, as well as some scary moments for professional drivers like me on the road.”

4. Carry out safety checks on your vehicle
“Check your vehicle’s lights, tires and oil levels every week, especially if you drive regularly or drive long distances,” says Steven. “Regular checks mean you’ll be less likely to break down when you’re out on the road or, for example, be caught driving with your lights off, which is very dangerous.”

5. Take a skid control course
“I would recommend taking any advanced driving courses you can, especially a skid control course, so UK road users can be prepared for real and dangerous driving scenarios,” says Steven. “They’re usually not very long and it’s a lot less expensive than the cost of a new car if you happened to skid and lose control of the vehicle, resulting in an accident.”