Safe driving near large vehicles




Large vehicles such as trucks, vans and articulated lorries are a common sight on our roads. Although they may sometimes seem like an inconvenience to car drivers they are actually some of the more courteous and respectful of road users.

Driving such large and unwieldy vehicles on a daily basis means that they realise that a little courtesy and respect can be returned many times over if they find themselves in awkward or difficult situations. When driving a vehicle of that size - you need all the help you can get!

Situations to look out for

Roundabouts and junctions. When negotiating a roundabout or junction with a vehicle that is four or five times as long as the average car it causes it's own special set of problems. Bearing in mind that some people have trouble manoeuvring something only 4 metres long it's worth showing a little respect and patience if you come across a lorry struggling to get around.

Large trucks and lorry's often have no choice when getting around a roundabout or junction but to take up more than one lane. If you are behind a large lorry as it approaches one, stay back and let them have some space to manoeuvre, if you don't you may end up making things difficult for yourself and everyone else.

Bridges. If you are approaching an arched bridge over a minor road, you may be confronted by a large lorry waiting on the other side. This is because the only way they can get through safely is to take up both lanes and drive along the middle of the road. Be patient and stop a good distance from the bridge to let them through.

Overtaking large vehicles. This manoeuvre should be done with great care. If you intend to overtake a long vehicle, don't drive too closely to the back of it and indicate early. Remember that if you cannot see the wing mirrors of the truck then the truck driver can't see you.

Obviously if you are overtaking a long vehicle it's like overtaking 3 or 4 cars at once, except that if there is something coming halfway through your manoeuvre you will have no chance of getting out the way. This should only be attempted on a very long stretch of straight road where you can clearly see that you have enough time to make it passed safely.

Large vehicles and wet weather. When driving behind a large vehicle in rain or on a wet road there will often be large amounts of spray thrown up. This can cause your visibility to suddenly be reduced which can be dangerous. Either stay back from the vehicle or make sure your wipers are on to avoid problems.

High winds. High sided vehicles such as vans or lorries are very susceptible to being blown off course in high winds. Think twice before passing them in these conditions, especially on exposed areas of road.

If you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault, Car Call and our partners can help you get your vehicle repaired, organise a hire car for you, and even make an injury compensation claim on your behalf.

Car Call and our partners are specialists in managing all aspects of a road accident claim, and because we and our partners recover our costs from the at-fault drivers insurance company.

Call us now on 02392 484 244 for free help and advice from one of our experienced claims advisors.


No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury