News & Features

National Highways 'Know the Zones' Campaign

Posted in News on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026

Every day, we share our roads with Heavy Goods Vehicles, also known as HGVs. They keep the country moving by delivering food, fuel and essential goods, but they operate very differently from cars. They are larger, heavier and longer, and they have significant blind spots. That is why National Highways’ Know the HGV Zones campaign is so important.

The campaign highlights a simple but crucial message. HGV drivers cannot see everything around them. Understanding where those blind spots are can help prevent serious collisions and save lives.

The 4 HGV Zones You Need to Know

There are four key areas around an HGV where visibility is limited.

Front zone - Leave plenty of space so the driver can see you clearly and stop safely if needed.

Left zone - Avoid driving or overtaking on the inside of an HGV.

Right zone - Overtake carefully and do not remain alongside the vehicle longer than necessary.

Rear zone - Do not follow too closely. If you cannot see the mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you.

These zones are not always obvious from inside a car, which is why awareness is essential.

Three Simple Ways to Stay Safe

The campaign encourages all road users to follow three straightforward principles.

• Stay visible and avoid sitting in blind spots
• Overtake with care and make sure you have enough time and space
• Keep a safe distance, especially when driving behind an HGV

Road safety is a shared responsibility. By understanding how HGVs operate and adjusting our driving accordingly, we can reduce risk and make journeys safer for everyone.

Know the HGV zones and help make every mile safer.

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