Side-swiped by a foreign HGV - what can I replace my Saab 9-3 with? | Ask Honest John

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Side-swiped by a foreign HGV - what can I replace my Saab 9-3 with?

Yesterday I had my only serious accident in 47 years. A foreign HGV side-swiped me on the M25, I lost control and hit the central barrier head-on, and was then hit by another van too. When the chaos ended, I opened the door, got out and walked away from the wreck. Hats off to the people at Saab who designed and built my beloved 2005 9-3 TiD Sportwagon, and how sad the company will probably be no more. And what on earth to buy to replace it?

Asked on 24 March 2012 by DH, Herne Bay

Answered by Honest John

First you have to think about why the foreign TIR side-swiped you. The most likely reason is that he could not see you. You should never drive in the blind spot of a left-hand drive HGV, you should always pass them as quickly as possible. If you cannot see the driver's face in his mirrors, he cannot see you. You should also anticipate his need to pull out and pass something in front of him.

Years ago I doorstepped Labour transport minister Stephen Ladyman with 30 emails from readers who had been side-swiped by left-hand drive HGVs. He then pushed the EC to legislate for blind spot elimination mirrors for HGVs. He also introduced Fresnel window lenses, given free to drivers of left-hand drive HGVs on landing in the UK, but HGV blind spots can never be completely eliminated. Now you need another car, and a Volvo V60 immediately springs to mind.

Tags: motorways hgvs driving techniques

Similar questions

Why don't car drivers understand how difficult it is to drive an HGV in traffic at the speed limit?

You recently published a letter from a driver wanting to know at what speed maximum fuel efficiency was achieved on the motorway. Your reply correctly stated that 50-55mph was too slow as it hindered HGVs...

Why do drivers fail to consider the requirements of HGV drivers?

As an HGV driver I regard the most frustrating drivers as the CLOGS who travel at 50-55mph just below the HGV and LGV/trailer speed limit. We cannot pass in the outside lane so the only hope is for a sufficient...

Why do people hover next to HGVs on the motorway?

For a long time I have suspected that some drivers are using cruise control or are saving fuel when I see them slowly passing a foreign lorry. Surely one should accelerate and clear the danger zone quickly....

Related models