Preparing for the Unexpected: Emergency Protocols for HGV Drivers
Life on the road is full of surprises, and HGV drivers in the UK face a unique set of challenges due to the size of their vehicle, the long hours they work and the varying road conditions they encounter.
Whether it’s a sudden breakdown, a severe weather event or an accident, knowing how to react quickly and calmly is key to safety and minimising disruption.
This blog looks at the different types of emergencies HGV drivers may face and what to do in each situation.
From what to carry in your cab to how to react when something goes wrong, having an emergency protocol in place can make all the difference.
Common Emergency Scenarios
HGV drivers will encounter a range of emergencies throughout their careers. Mechanical failures are one of the most common issues, including tyre blowouts, brake failures or engine trouble.
Accidents, whether minor or major, also happen and may involve other vehicles, pedestrians or property. You need to be mentally prepared for these situations and know how to stay safe and compliant.
In addition to vehicle-related incidents, drivers may also face adverse weather conditions such as thick fog, heavy snow or flash flooding. These can affect visibility and road grip, making driving much more hazardous.
Medical emergencies, such as sudden illness or dizziness, are another possibility, especially on long-haul journeys.
Security threats such as vehicle theft, stowaways or scams targeting lorry drivers are not uncommon, especially in high-risk areas or at service stations.
Legal Requirements in an Emergency
As a professional driver, you have a duty of care in an emergency. If you’re involved in an accident, you must stop, check for injuries and exchange information with any other parties involved.
You must report certain types of accidents to the police if someone is injured or if the other driver doesn’t stop. Not following these protocols can result in legal consequences, including fines or losing your HGV licence.
In addition to calling the emergency services when necessary, you should also notify your employer or transport manager as soon as possible.
They may need to coordinate alternative logistics, arrange vehicle recovery or provide further instructions based on the situation.
Transparency and communication ensure the situation is handled efficiently and protect you and the company from any liability.
What to Carry in Your Cab
Every HGV driver should carry an emergency kit in their cab, as this can make a big difference in how a situation is handled.
This should include high vis clothing, a warning triangle, a torch with spare batteries and a basic tool kit. These items will help you stay visible and safe on the roadside while waiting for assistance or doing minor repairs.
It’s also a good idea to carry a first aid kit in your cab along with some bottled water, non-perishable food and warm clothing, especially in colder months.
A phone charger or power bank is essential for communication. Having physical copies of your insurance documents, vehicle registration, and any emergency contact numbers can save time in an emergency.
Protocols for Specific Situations
Breakdowns
If your vehicle breaks down, your priority is to stop in the safest possible location – ideally a designated lay-by or hard shoulder.
Once stopped, switch on your hazard lights, put on high vis and place a warning triangle at a safe distance behind the vehicle (note: not on motorways).
Never attempt to fix serious mechanical faults on your own unless it’s safe and you are trained to do so.
After securing the vehicle and making yourself visible, contact your breakdown service provider. Be prepared to give your exact location, vehicle details and the nature of the problem.
If unsure, use a motorway emergency phone or give the nearest junction number or landmark. While you wait, stay outside the vehicle and behind a barrier if possible, especially on busy roads.
Accidents
In the event of an accident, check for injuries and call emergency services if anyone is hurt or if the road is blocked.
If it’s safe to do so, exit the vehicle and warn other road users using your hazard lights and warning triangle. Take photographs of the scene, including damage to vehicles, road conditions and any relevant signage.
Get the names, contact details and insurance information of any other parties involved. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact details as well.
Once you’ve dealt with the immediate aftermath, inform your employer and complete any required accident report forms. This ensures full transparency and allows your company to take action.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Before you go out, check the weather forecast for your route. If it’s going to be a poor plan extra time into your journey or delay if necessary.
While on the road, reduce your speed, increase your following distance and use your lights correctly to improve visibility. Be extra careful on bridges and overpass,s which freeze quicker than other road surfaces.
If the weather becomes too bad to continue, find a safe place to stop and wait it out. Never try to push through severe weather conditions – it’s not worth the risk to your safety or the load you’re carrying.
Inform your employer of any delays or route changes due to weather so they can update clients accordingly.
Medical Emergencies
If you feel unwell while driving – whether it’s chest pain, dizziness or sudden fatigue – you should pull over immediately in a safe location.
Turn off your engine, call emergency services if needed and inform your employer. Don’t try to push through in the hope the feeling will pass, as this can put yourself and others at risk.
Even if the emergency doesn’t require immediate medical attention, it’s important to rest and assess your condition before continuing your journey.
If in doubt, seek medical advice and don’t drive until you’re confident you’re fit to continue. Your health is paramount, and responsible decision-making in these moments is part of being a professional driver.
Communication Protocols
Clear and prompt communication during an emergency can save time and reduce confusion. Always contact your transport manager or logistics team as soon as it’s safe to do so.
They can offer support, reroute other drivers and assist with any follow-up actions required. Keeping them informed also ensures that delivery schedules and client expectations are managed.
If you’re in an area with a poor signal, consider using CB radio or a backup communication method if your vehicle is equipped with one.
Some fleet management systems allow location sharing or panic alert features, which can be used to notify dispatch instantly. Having a backup plan for staying connected is part of your emergency readiness.
Post Emergency: What Happens Next
Once the emergency is under control, the next step is to complete any necessary documentation. This may include incident reports, insurance forms or health and safety records, depending on what happened.
Make sure your statements are clear, accurate and submitted promptly as these documents may be needed for investigations or insurance claims.
Finally, take a moment to think about the event and what, if anything, could have been done differently.
Your employer may hold a debrief to discuss the situation and identify areas for improvement.
These moments are valuable learning experiences and will help you become a more prepared and confident HGV driver moving forward.
Conclusion
Roadside emergencies are unpredictable, but being prepared is key to being safe.
By knowing what to do, what to carry and how to respond in different situations, HGV drivers can reduce risk and protect themselves and others on the road.
Take a minute today to review your emergency protocols and check that your vehicle is equipped.
It could be the difference the next time something happens.
Share this
What you need to know
CLICK HERE to view larger video
Certifications
Latest News
Start Your Enquiry
Fill out the details below to start an enquiry:
Stay in the Loop
To receive information about courses and special offers that can save you money, please add your details here.
