Stay safe when driving a lorry

Use fresnel lenses to reduce the risk of sideswiping

With more and more left-hand drive vehicles on our roads, sideswiping is an issue that all drivers should be aware of despite additional kerbside mirrors. Be aware by being extra vigilant and signalling well in advance of your manoeuvre. This allows any unseen vehicles to move into view.

Improve your blind spot vision

There are many incidents of side swiping on our roads, predominantly by left-hand drive vehicles who do not see other vehicles clearly due to their blind spot. The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and the Highways Agency have worked together to produce the Fresnel lens to increase visibility for these drivers.

Fresnel lenses

A Fresnel lens improves the visibility for drivers below the level of the passenger window.

The Highways Agency's Regional Intelligence Unit collected data on the number of sideswipe incidents in the South East involving left-hand drive large goods vehicles. It then repeated the exercise for three months after 40,000 lenses were distributed by officials at the Eurotunnel and numerous French ports. The number of side swipes dropped by 59 per cent.

Left-hand drive heavy goods vehicles can get their free lens at most ports across England.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Rules on seatbelts and mobile phones
• Speeds, overtaking and considerate driving
• Use fresnel lenses to reduce the risk of sideswiping
• Emergency stops and taking a break from driving
• Tips for avoiding diesel spills
• Make the best use of highway signs and traffic information
• Driving in foggy conditions
• Driving lorries in high winds
• Driving in rain
• Driving in icy or snowy conditions