DRIVING AT NIGHT

Problems encountered

Driving a HGV at night, often over long distances, requires additional skills. It also places added responsibilities on the driver.
The problems related to driving at night are:

• Much less advance information
• Limited lighting
• The headlights of oncoming vehicles
• Shadows created by patchy street lighting
• Ineffective lighting on other vehicles, cyclists, motorcycles, broken headlights on other vehicles, etc.
• Dangers created by the onset of tiredness

Many accidents have occurred because the driver of a HGV wither was overcome with tiredness or failed to see an unlit vehicle or obstacle until it was much too late. Long night journeys, particularly on motorway routes with little to relieve the monotony, require planning and close attention to proper rest and refreshment stops.

Tiredness

Falling asleep at the wheel can happen for only a second or two and yet result in the loss of control. Be on your guard.

Don’t:

• Drive without a proper rest period
• Allow the cab to become too warm
• Eat heavy meals just before setting out
• Take your eyes off the road to change radio channels, etc
• Use a mobile phone when driving

Try to:

• Keep plenty of cool fresh air moving through the cab
• Walk around in fresh air during a rest stop before setting off again

If you feel your concentration slipping, pull up at the next safe, convenient place.

Lights

It is essential that all lamps are clean and bulbs and light units are operating correctly. It is vital that the driver can see clearly ahead but it is essential that other road users are able to recognise the size of your vehicle and the direction in which it is traveling.

All regulation markers and rear lights must be lit and clear of dirt or other obstacles. Avoid placing distractions such Christmas tree lights or other materials as this may confuse or distract other road users.

Parked vehicles
All HGV’s must have lights on when parked on the road at night – (we need to expand on this area).

Driving in built up areas
Always use dipped headlights in built-up areas at night. It helps other to see you and assist your vision if the street lighting varies or is defective.

Be on the alert for

• Pedestrians in dark clothing
• Parked vehicles
• Cyclists

Take extra care when approaching pedestrian crossing. Drive at such a speed that you can stop safely if necessary. Make sure that you obey the speed limits even if the roads appear to be empty.

Driving in rural areas
If there is no oncoming traffic you should use full beam headlights to see as far ahead as possible. Dip your lights as soon as you see oncoming traffic to avoid dazzling the oncoming driver or rider. If there is no footpath, be on the alert for pedestrians in the road.

Fog at night
If there is any possibility of fog developing at night simply don’t drive. If the fog becomes so dense that you are unable to go any further safely, your vehicle will present a serious risk to other vehicles. Because of the difficulties in getting a HGV off the road in dense fog, it is better not to start the journey in the first place. If you start your journey when there is fog about and you are delayed, you will be committing an offence if you exceed the permitted hours of driving for that period, because of the delay was foreseeable.

Overtaking at night

Heavy good vehicles take some considerable time to complete an overtaking manoeuvre so only attempt one when you can see well ahead that it is safe to do so. This means that unless you are driving on a motorway or dual carriageway the opportunities to overtake will be limited. If you do decide to overtake, make sure that you can so without ‘cutting in’ on the vehicle being overtaken or causing oncoming vehicles or brake or swerve. Never close up on the vehicle ahead prior to attempting to overtake. This will restrict your vision of the road ahead.

Separation distance
Avoid driving so close to the vehicle ahead that your lights dazzle the other drivers. Make sure that your lights are on a dipped beam. If a vehicle overtakes you dip your headlights as soon as the vehicle starts to pass you. Your headlights should fall short of the vehicle in front.

Breakdowns

If your vehicle breaks down, try to pull it as far off to the left as possible. If you can get off the main carriageway without causing danger or inconvenience to other road users then do so. If you have a warning triangle, place it at least 50 metres behind the vehicle on normal roads. Don’t attempt to work on the offside of the vehicle unless protected by a recovery vehicle with flashing hazard lights. If your vehicle is causing an obstruction and possible danger to other road users inform the Gardai as soon as possible. This is particularly important if your vehicle is carrying hazardous materials.

Recovery agencies
If you are engaged in long-distance work, especially at night, it is wise to ensure that the vehicle is covered by a reputable recovery agency. The cost of towing or repairing a HGV could be substantial without the benefit of recovery membership.

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