Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) blind spots pose a serious risk on UK roads. These zones of limited visibility can hide cyclists, pedestrians, or other vehicles unless both drivers and road users know where to look. As an HGV increases in size, so does its responsibility to share the road safely. In this guide, we dive deep into HGV blind spots, how many there are, where they’re located, and what measures—like the Blind Spot Information System (BSIS)—help reduce accidents.
What Are HGV Blind Spots?
Blind spots refer to areas around a vehicle where the driver’s line of sight is obstructed. Unlike cars, HGVs have amplified zones due to their height and length. These blind zones can lead to serious collisions if someone remains unseen while the vehicle is turning, changing lanes, or reversing.
How Many Blind Spots Do HGVs Have?
HGVs typically have four main blind spots:
- Front blind spot – approximately 2 feet in front of the cab.
- Rear blind spot – extending up to 9 feet behind the trailer.
- Left-side blind spot – running along the cab and trailer length.
- Right-side blind spot – especially dangerous for overtaking vehicles.
In addition to these, there are often lesser-known dead zones such as near the wheels or rear corners of the trailer.
Where Are the Biggest Blind Spots on a Truck?
The front and rear zones are particularly troubling. At the front, the driver cannot see someone standing directly in front, and at the rear, vehicles or pedestrians within nine feet can disappear from view when the driver is reversing or turning. Meanwhile, side blind spots run along both flanks; the left side can stretch across three lanes, and the right side spans the length of the trailer — especially dangerous for cyclists or motorcyclists.
The Two Main Truck Blind Spots
While HGV blind spots occur all around the vehicle, the two most hazardous zones are:
- Side blind spots – where overtaking vehicles and cyclists may be hidden;
- Rear blind spot – impacting reversing manoeuvres or sudden stops.
During a theory test, you might be asked: “What are the two main blind spots around a commercial vehicle?” The correct answer would focus on those side zones and the extended rear area.
What Is the Blind Spot Information System (BSIS)?
To help drivers identify these risks, modern HGVs feature a Blind Spot Information System (BSIS). This network of cameras and sensors continuously monitors these large blind spots. If a cyclist or other road user enters a danger zone, the system alerts the driver via visual or audible warnings. BSIS has already improved urban road safety by reducing blind spot collisions during turns and lane changes.
How to Check Blind Spots in a Truck
HGV drivers can improve their awareness by:
- Adjusting mirrors correctly to cover side and rear zones;
- Using BSIS, cameras, or sensors to verify whether blind spots are clear;
- Performing shoulder checks (“look and look again”), especially before turning or changing lanes.
Other road users should:
- Avoid lingering in side zones;
- Pull up out of the rear zone until they can see the HGV’s mirrors;
- Overtake on the right where drivers have better visibility.
Safety Tips for HGV Drivers
- Be predictable: clearly signal intentions ahead of time.
- Be prepared: ready to cancel a manoeuvre if you spot someone.
- Look and look again: assume someone could be beside you.
- When in doubt, slow down: slower speeds give more reaction time.
- Use technology wisely: BSIS and mirrors are only effective when used properly.
- Eliminate distractions: phones, radio or fatigue reduce awareness.
Safety Tips for Other Road Users
- Stay visible: signal early and wear high-vis gear at night.
- Avoid overtaking blind vehicles: don’t linger on the left and avoid pulling alongside.
- Don’t tailgate: staying back by three car lengths ensures safety and visibility.
- Make eye contact: wait until the driver acknowledges you before crossing.
- Be patient: wait for space before overtaking, especially on bends or hills near HGVs.
FAQs
The front two-foot area and rear nine-foot zone behind the trailer are the largest blind spots.
An HGV typically has four standard blind spots: front, rear, left side, and right side.
Drivers should adjust mirrors, use BSIS cameras or sensors, and perform shoulder checks.
BSIS employs cameras and sensors to alert the driver to nearby users in blind zones during turning or lane changing.
Blind zones exist around all sides, but particularly along the length of the side trailer and immediately in front and behind the cab.
Conclusion
HGV blind spots significantly raise the risk of accidents. However, knowing the four primary zones—front, rear, left, and right—reduces this danger. More importantly, applying practical habits and using systems like BSIS greatly enhances safety.
Ultimately, safety is a shared responsibility. HGV drivers and other road users both must exercise awareness, patience, and consideration. By understanding where these danger zones are and adapting your driving accordingly, we can all contribute to a safer future on UK roads
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