National Highways has launched a new safety campaign amid concerns about drivers’ awareness of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) ‘blind spots’ when overtaking.

In a recent survey commissioned by National Highways, while nearly three quarters of people said they take extra care when overtaking a HGV, 36% said they did not know how many blind spots an HGV had. 36% also admitted feeling nervous when passing trucks.

In the campaign video, supported by the Road Haulage Association (RHA), Logistics UK and other HGV bodies, drivers are being urged to ‘know the zones’ where HGV drivers have limited visibility.

Jeremy Phillips, head of road safety at National Highways, said: “Safety is our number one priority, and we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe when driving.

“Our advice to motorists overtaking an HGV is simple; avoid tailgating the HGV when considering an overtaking manoeuvre and as the Highway Code states, do so quickly and safely to avoid staying in an area of limited visibility.”

The advice for drivers is know the zones – HGVs have four zones around them where their visibility is limited - at the front, back and both sides. Pass quickly and safely and where possible, don’t linger next to a HGV.

The National Highways campaign will be aired on radio, featured on TV on demand, online video, social media, billboards and posters.

Richard Holden, road safety minister, said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world, but we are not complacent and are always looking at ways to make them safer.

“Making motorists aware of HGV blind spots will help prevent road collisions and support our ambitions of building a safer road network.”

Find out more on the National Highways website.