Hgv Fatal Accidents

[sunny-dave]

I was reading about the fatal accident where a tipper wagon killed several people yesterday ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-31339654 ).

We obviously don't know yet what caused this accident, but I was prompted to the thought that there seem to be a very high proportion of fatal accidents which involve HGVs.

I did a bit of digging and found this report

http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/sites/default/files/research-files/HGV_fatal_ax_cf_to_all_2012.pdf

which really, really shocked me.

HGVs are around 5 TIMES more likely to be involved in fatal accidents (mile for mile) than other vehicles. This was 2012 data and the trend was firmly upward, so it is now likely to be much worse than that, already appalling, figure.


Patently "Something Needs to be Done" - but (all) governments seem to be scared stiff of the Road Freight Lobby (or are in its pay). Far from tightening up on HGV safety, regulations are actually being relaxed on HGV speeds and there seems to be no appetite for any new initiatives to improve HGV safety - either in the standards of driving or maintenance.

There are good HGV drivers out there, probably most of them, but the rogue elements seem to be (by accident or design) carrying out a cull of more vulnerable road users.

What should be done?

[Zacs-Master]

There was a thread on here the other day regarding automated driverless cars. Trucks are being developed too:
http://www.commercialmotor.com/latest-news/driverless-hgv-platoon-trials-could-begin-within-months

[gness]

Really? So who would be responsible for that.....though I know I'm responsible for my brakes.....but is each lorry driver responsible for the road worthiness of his vehicle...or does the company have some responsibility?

Would a much more experienced driver have been able to act differently do you think?

[FrogNog]

I think it's disingenuous to cite his age without noting that he is a farmer's son with extensive large vehicle experience.

See here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-31454693

He was sounding his horn and trying to warn people. That sounds like it could have been a mechanical fault to me.

[TWR]

You do not carry 32tonnes of grave down steep hills on a farm, I've yet to see one, Gness, the Driver is the one in charge of the HGV, If the Truck is continuing Braking down steep hill's instead of using his /her gears, brake fade is the result, on the HGV There is a device called a Exhaust Brake that when Depressed does not let the Exhaust Gases out of the Manifold causing the Engine to choke reducing power, In my experience I think he has used this device & relying on this instead of using his gears / brakes.

[hc4361]

A 19 year old HGV driver involved in an accident is very much in the minority. I am reserving my judgement on that particular case until the inquest.

[gness]

I see, thank you......I read that a warning sign about the width of the road had been knocked down and not replaced.
Maybe that's a significant factor....however...he too has to live with this tragedy whoever is to blame.....x

[Zacs-Master]

hc, you can't do that! You must have a non proven, speculative and probably wholly inaccurate opinion. It's da rules!

[gness]

Why is that, Zacs...and who do you know who has?

[TWR]

I do feel for the lad, he has to live with this for the rest of his life & I doubt he, by his own making will ever drive a HGV Again.

[gness]

Me too, TWR...as I do for those just in the wrong place......

I looked at some photos of him getting his licence and he seemed so chuffed. That life can change in seconds.....x

[Zacs-Master]

Gness, you, TWR and frog nog. Just on this page.

[gness]

And my opinion is?

[Zacs-Master]

You speculated that an older driver may have handled the situation differently suggesting that your opinion is that they may have.

Anyway. Friday drinkypoos is calling. Happy speculating.

[gness]

No...as someone who has never driven a lorry I asked...asked....whether in TWR's view a more experienced driver would have acted differently.
It was a genuine question out of interest and followed by ?....so it wasn't an opinion.....
You really are being childish now.

[TWR]

Zac, 19 years of age, you get your HGV at 17, that should give him approx 16Months of Road Driving NOT FARM driving, I was driving the things 40 years & was still gaining experience, but I will leave this sad case to rest, I have said enough.