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Steven Williams is the proud owner of a quaint little home on a narrow street in Tameside. At least it was a quaint little home until an articulated lorry crashed into it recently, causing extensive damage that looks like it will require significant renovations to fix. Moreover, this is not the first time Williams has been through this experience.

The Manchester Evening News says a similar accident in 2013 also caused significant damage to Williams’ house. And before that, an out-of-control car failed to negotiate the turn just in front of the property and ended up ploughing into it. In the case of the articulated lorries, this latest accident may cause one to wonder if there should be an LGV class relating to sat nav use.

The accident was the direct result of the driver ignoring posted signs in favour of following directions provided by his sat nav. Ironically, simple visual observation would have been better in this case than relying on a piece of electronic equipment with an inaccurate map. It is clear to see that the road is much too narrow for large commercial vehicles.

Nonetheless, the driver dutifully followed the instructions of his electronic guide only to find himself at a turn too narrow for his trailer to fit through. In attempting to back his articulated lorry out of the jam, the driver struck the house to his left.

Williams is apparently receiving assistance from both the city council and the operator of the lorry. Even so, this is still an accident that never should have happened.

Sat Navs Not Perfect

It is neither necessary nor practical to create a specific LGV class relating to sat nav use. That notwithstanding, companies need to put a greater emphasis on the fact that a sat nav is a tool to be used alongside visual observation and road signs. The devices are by no means perfect. Furthermore, when road signs and sat nav equipment conflict, road signs are always to be obeyed.

In the Tameside case, the driver claimed he did not see the posted signs. If that is true, could it be he was paying more attention to his electronic device than the road? Any such case would be an example of careless driving.

Perhaps it might be time to begin developing Driver CPC courses dealing with navigating local roads, focusing partly on sat nav use. While a dedicated LGV class is not necessary, including sat nav information in a CPC course designed to enhance driver safety would be entirely appropriate.

The HGV Training Centre knows how important proper training is to safe driving. We pride ourselves in applying the strictest training standards to our students, whether a person comes to us for ongoing CPC training or a first LGV class. Each and every student receives the help and support necessary to complete training classes and pass exams. We offer the same commitment to both individual and company drivers.

Sources:

  1. Manchester Evening News – https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/hgv-crashes-into-house-ashton-10291899

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