Around Lorries…
While I was looking up information on texting- or phone-driving accidents yesterday, I found this video on the RoSPA site :
Now normally, I’m not such a fan of RoSPA’s "we know best" attitude that seems to come across in their publications. But this one’s pretty sound - it takes a balanced view, without necessarily apportioning blame, and is coupled with some practical things that YOU can do to avoid being squashed.
I’m not sure whether or not they chose a ready-mix cement truck as their demonstration vehicle with a deep sense of irony though. I’ve found that cement lorries, in common with any other vehicle that’s being driven to a schedule / deadline, are driven with scant disregard for all other road users. Or maybe this was the point?
On the plus side, no mention of the "H" word. The protective properties of a helmet when 30 tons of lorry is smearing your internal organs through the railings are at best negligible, and RoSPA seem to be focusing on the practical.
Excellent. But often, if the cyclist arrives at the junction first, the lorry will pull up along side him putting him in exactly the same danger. If I am turning left and am stopping at a red light, If I arrive first I will always pull out 1m ( after shoulder checking ) and take the lane, thereby stopping any vehicle from unknowingly crushing me into the barrier as I turn left.
I would consider giving this advice
Yep - that’s what I do too. If a lorry pulls up behind, I check that the driver can see me, and if he can’t I’ll pull forward - even if this means crossing the ’stop’ line. Not sure if that counts as jumping the lights!