Using your lights and mirrors

Research has shown that lights are one of the most common failure items when an HGV or LGV is put in for its annual test, and headlights are the most common source of problems. A significant number of failures are due to headlights being unsynchronised, such as one side being aimed high and the other low.

As well as headlights, it is important to check that all other lights are functional and clean before a journey. It is unsafe to drive with faulty or dirty lights, including indicators, brake lights, fog lights and headlights.

In fact, it is important to know as much about the traffic and obstacles around you as possible. Before starting your journey, you should always check your mirrors to make sure they are in the correct position for you to be able to see around the vehicle. You should always make full use of your mirrors before making a manoeuvre.

You ought to be aware of blind spots, both for yourself and others. There are many HGVs or LGVs that are fitted with “close proximity” and “wide angle” mirrors to survey the driver’s blind spot on the passenger side of the vehicle. It is particularly important that these mirrors are properly adjusted so that you can see, for example, cyclists close to the nearside of the vehicle. Keep a defensive space around your vehicle to enable you to react. It is advisable that you use your mirrors frequently so that you are constantly aware of what is happening around you.

These points and many more are covered comprehensively during HGV training

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