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HGV

Commercial vehicles are about twice as likely, per vehicle mile travelled, to be involved in a crash that results in death than cars. This is partly and obviously due to their size and weight. You are less likely to survive a crash if you are hit by a truck rather than a car.

The facts

· Every week about 20 people are killed and 220 seriously injured in collisions involving someone driving for work purposes (Source: Work-related Road Safety Task Force Group Report, May 2005)

· 65% of all company vehicles will typically be involved in an incident during a year (Source: ALD Automotive Guide to Fleet Management)

· Employees who drive more than 25,000 miles a year, have at least a one in 8,000 chance of dying behind the wheel (Source: RoSPA)

· Per 100 million vehicle miles travelled, HGVs are involved in 1.6 fatal crashes, compared to 0.9 for cars (Source: Road Casualties Great Britain 2004 (Department for Transport, 2005))

One of the most significant risks is driving at inappropriate speeds, this includes both exceeding the speed limit and driving within the speed limit but still too fast for the conditions (for example, twisting rural roads, poor weather conditions or high pedestrian activity).

National speed limits vary for different classes of vehicle - ensure you know the limits for the vehicle you are driving.

Different vehicles different limits

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