LGV Hazard Perception 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving an LGV past a row of parked vehicles, what hazard should you be particularly aware of?
- The parked vehicles may start flying
- Pedestrians (especially children) stepping out from between parked vehicles, and vehicle doors opening (Correct answer)
- The parked vehicles blocking your satellite navigation signal
- Only oncoming traffic
Correct answer: Pedestrians (especially children) stepping out from between parked vehicles, and vehicle doors opening
Parked vehicles create blind spots from which pedestrians, particularly children, may step out unexpectedly. Vehicle doors may also open into your path. LGV drivers should reduce speed, increase the gap from parked vehicles, and be ready to stop.
Question 2: Why should an LGV driver be extra cautious at crossroads?
- Crossroads are always controlled by traffic lights
- Other road users may emerge from multiple directions, and the LGV's blind spots increase the risk of missing them (Correct answer)
- LGVs have right of way at all crossroads
- Crossroads are only dangerous in rural areas
Correct answer: Other road users may emerge from multiple directions, and the LGV's blind spots increase the risk of missing them
Crossroads present multiple conflict points — vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians can approach from four directions. An LGV's large blind spots make it particularly difficult to see all potential hazards. Extra observation time and slower speeds are essential.
Question 3: What weather condition most significantly reduces an LGV's stopping distance?
- Strong sunshine
- Ice — stopping distances can be 10 times greater than on dry roads (Correct answer)
- Light drizzle
- Fog
Correct answer: Ice — stopping distances can be 10 times greater than on dry roads
Ice has the most dramatic effect on stopping distances, increasing them by up to 10 times compared to dry conditions. An LGV that stops in 50 metres on dry road may need 500 metres on ice. Drivers must dramatically reduce speed and increase following distances.
Question 4: What is 'rear cut-in' and why is it a hazard perception issue for LGV drivers?
- When someone cuts in behind your vehicle
- When the rear of a long vehicle tracks inside the front wheels' path on turns, potentially hitting cyclists or kerbs (Correct answer)
- When the rear doors open during transit
- When the rear of the trailer is damaged
Correct answer: When the rear of a long vehicle tracks inside the front wheels' path on turns, potentially hitting cyclists or kerbs
Rear cut-in occurs when the rear of a long vehicle follows a tighter path than the front wheels during turns. This can sweep cyclists off the road, mount kerbs, or collide with bollards and pedestrians. It is one of the most dangerous aspects of LGV manoeuvring.
Question 5: How should an LGV driver approach a zebra crossing with pedestrians waiting to cross?
- Sound the horn to warn them and continue
- Slow down, be prepared to stop, and give way to any pedestrian who has stepped onto the crossing (Correct answer)
- Flash headlights to signal them to wait
- Maintain speed — pedestrians must wait for a gap
Correct answer: Slow down, be prepared to stop, and give way to any pedestrian who has stepped onto the crossing
LGV drivers must approach zebra crossings at a controlled speed, be prepared to stop, and give way to pedestrians on the crossing. Given the longer stopping distances of LGVs, early anticipation and speed reduction are essential. Never wave pedestrians across as other lanes may not stop.
Question 6: What should an LGV driver do when approaching a road that narrows with oncoming traffic?
- Speed up to get through first
- Assess whether there is room for both vehicles, be prepared to stop, and give way if necessary — considering the LGV's width (Correct answer)
- Flash headlights to claim right of way
- Use the horn to warn oncoming traffic
Correct answer: Assess whether there is room for both vehicles, be prepared to stop, and give way if necessary — considering the LGV's width
The driver should assess the available width, consider their vehicle's dimensions, slow down, and be prepared to stop if there is insufficient room for both vehicles. Priority signs may indicate who has right of way, but the LGV driver should always err on the side of caution.
LGV Hazard Perception 2
When driving an LGV past a row of parked vehicles, what hazard should you be particularly aware of?