Sideswipes by overseas left-hand-drive trucks are an increasing danger for both car and truck drivers. Hauliers have had vehicles damaged when left-hand-drive trucks pull out without being able to be see properly.
Now the full extent of the problem has emerged after a request under the Freedom of Information Act. The figures show 1,807 accidents involving foreign-left hand-drive trucks in 2005. Of these there were 409 cases involving overseas trucks moving into the right hand lane.
Actually this is an underestimate as the figures only cover accidents on dual carriageway involving at least one car. So it leaves out motorway accidents, which is crazy.
Sideswipes are becoming a significant problem, particularly in the south. The can result in very serious injuries and damage as cars are forced off the road.
The answer is to force overseas drivers to fit adequate mirrors to be able to properly see all other road users around the vehicle. Or they could fit cameras and monitors or even sensors to prevent these accidents. British right hand vehicles travelling on the continent should also have to fit similar equipment.
With an ever increasing number of left hand drive trucks on the roads, the Department for Transport needs to step in to ensure that they have sufficient vision around the truck to be able to drive safely.

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