Bridge strikes are unfortunately a common problem for many drivers. One of the biggest fears when it comes to driving a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) is unexpectedly running into a low bridge, especially when you haven’t planned your journey properly. A report from The Network Rail explained how there were 1,833 bridge strikes during 2021/2022. The majority of these were due to HGVs. This resulted in a total £23 million for repairs.
Being involved in a bridge strike is extremely unpleasant for everyone involved. However, it is also unnecessary and avoidable. Here are some helpful tips that can help you further avoid bridge strikes.
What Is A Bridge Strike?
A bridge strike is where a vehicle, its load or other equipment collides with a bridge. It is more common for them to occur under railway bridges, as they tend to be lower than other bridges.
When a bridge strike occurs, different things can happen. From the vehicle being decapitated, to the bridge itself becoming damaged. This can cause disruptions to traffic as the lesser issue. More prominent issues revolve around injuries, infrastructure damage, and in rare cases, death.
How to Avoid A Bridge Strike?
There are several checks that must be completed, which also helps to reduce the possibility that you’ll be involved in a bridge strike.
Know The Height & Width of Your Vehicle
This is covered in your vehicle walkaround check, completed each shift. You must have the vehicle height marker visible on the back of your vehicle. The weight of your vehicle can also impact the height, so make sure the correct height is labelled and you are aware of this.
Plan your route
Identify where low bridges are located throughout your journey. You should determine any detours you might need to take in the event of this.
Follow traffic signs
Any traffic signs which are relevant to you as a lorry driver should be considered. Signs which are relevant to vehicle types, road access types, and weight limits must be adhered to by the HGV operator.
Additionally, before you start a journey there are a few checks you will want to complete, as well as your HGV safety checks.
The additional checks you need to complete include:
- Checking the security and safety of your load.
- The height of the cab and trailer or any other equipment.
- The maximum width of your vehicle.
- The correct maximum height of your vehicle is displayed in the cab.
During your journey avoid using short cuts or diverting from your planned route when possible. This is because you may run into low bridges that weren’t mapped out on your planned route. Also, use HGV-specific navigation systems as these should account for low bridges.
Always Follow Road Signs
Traffic signs are often displayed at bridges to show maximum permitted heights when the bridge is less than 4.95m (16’3”) although, there aren’t always signs displayed.
Two road signs to look out for are
- Red triangle signs which are warnings for drivers.
- Red circles which prohibit drivers.
If your vehicle’s dimensions are greater than those shown on a red triangle you shouldn’t pass that sign. However, if the dimensions of your vehicle are greater than the ones shown on a red circle you must stop and not go past that sign as you will collide with a bridge.
What To Do In The Event Of A Bridge Strike
There are different actions that need to be taken depending on which type of bridge you collide with. For Example, if you are colliding with a Railway Bridge, you must:
- Report the accident to the Rail Authority- this is so services can stop on the bridge. Information can be found on the identification plate (on bridge)
- Call the police on 999 and report the accident.
- Report the bridge strike to your employer.
- Keep the general public away from the accident and don’t move your vehicle.
For any other bridges, you must:
- Call 999 and report the accident.
- Report the bridge strike to your employer.
- Keep the general public away from the accident and don’t move your vehicle.
Consequences of Bridge Strikes
There are many consequences of a bridge strike both on the driver involved, the employer and other road users. Consequences for railway bridges means that trains could be derailed, which can cause serious injuries to passengers. This can also pose a risk to members of the public and other road users.
Consequences for other road users include serious injuries and disruptions to road networks.
However, the consequences to you can be more severe. From injury to yourself, to losing your job, and even the potential to face a prison sentence. Your employer could also lose their operator’s licence, and they may be liable to pay all costs associated with the accident, such as bridge repairs.
You can learn more about the prevention of bridge strikes from the government’s document, titled, Prevention of Bridge Strikes.
Final Thoughts
To try and reduce your risk of being involved in a bridge strike when you’re driving an HGV make sure you’ve completed the proper checks, know the height & width of your vehicle, including the additional trailer or equipment it is carrying, and plan your route properly considering low bridges. You may wish to consider one of our CPC courses which will increase your driving knowledge & skill.
Leave a Reply