HGV Turns Left Into Path of Cyclist Causing Accident

January 7, 2024

Significant Dangers to Cyclists When Turning Left at Junctions

One of the most frightening dangers associated with cyclists is when a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) is turning left at a road junction ahead of a cyclist is intends to carry on straight across the road. This is because of the inherent blind spots when driving large vehicles, such as HGVs, busses, coaches, skip carriers and large vans where cyclists may be entirely unseen by the driver. In the case of a left turn, the cyclist might find themselves positioned in a blind spot, making them vulnerable to a potential collision. Often this type of accident is quite common and as a result our fatal cycle accident compensation solicitors will often be instructed to make a claim.

The discrepancy in size and visibility between a cyclist and an HGV exacerbates the risk, as the cyclist may go unnoticed by the HGV driver, leading to tragic consequences. Mitigating this danger requires heightened awareness from both cyclists and HGV drivers, as well as the implementation of effective infrastructure and signaling measures to enhance visibility and communication at road junctions. Safety education and adherence to traffic regulations become paramount to reduce the likelihood of accidents arising from these challenging scenarios.

In Fig 1 below, this is a common high risk, manoeuvre typically an HGV due to it’s length and size often finds that making a left hand turn at a junction is difficult so takes a arc approach by moving the vehicle to the right hand side of a dual carriageway first before turning left. Unknown to the cyclist of the HGV driver’s intentions to turn left (especially as frequently the HGV driver does not indicate left or only does so late) the cyclist proceeds straight ahead, the blind spot prevents the driver seeing the cyclist and a potential serious or fatal accident claim can arise.

FIG 1 HGV turning Left at Road Junction Where Blind Spot to Oncoming Cyclist

[Please be aware that the above illustration will apply equally to motorbikes, pedal bikes and scooter riders.]

Who is at Fault?

Often it depends on various factors. Expert pedal cyclist solicitors will assist in the accident reconstruction and if necessary obtain expert evidence. The starting point is to consider the Highway Code that governs the conduct of ‘best practice’ on UK roads. As regards to approaching road junctions by cyclists the following is important:

Rule 73: At junctions with no separate cyclist facilities, it is recommended that you proceed as if you were driving a motor vehicle,
Rule 74 Turning. When approaching a junction on the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side road. If you intend to turn left, check first for other cyclists or motorcyclists before signalling. Do not ride on the inside of vehicles signalling or slowing down to turn left.

The Code is quite clear, a cyclist should not ‘undertake a HGV‘ at a junction due to the risk enumerated above. The cyclist could be deemed at fault however if the HGV driver fails to signal left in our opinion the cyclist may succeed in a claim either in full or in part.

Please be aware that Fig 1 will apply equally to riders of motorbikes, pedal bikes and scooters.

The Highway Code Concerning Cyclist

The relevant part of the Highway Code is repeated below to cyclists have in instant guide to the potential flash point where a dangerous potential accident may arise.

Rule 73

Junctions. Some junctions, particularly those with traffic lights, have special cycle facilities, including small cycle traffic lights at eye-level height, which may allow you to move or cross separately from or ahead of other traffic. Use these facilities where they make your journey safer and easier.

At junctions with no separate cyclist facilities, it is recommended that you proceed as if you were driving a motor vehicle (see Rules 170 to 190).

Position yourself in the centre of your chosen lane, where you feel able to do this safely, to make yourself as visible as possible and to avoid being overtaken where this would be dangerous. If you do not feel safe to proceed in this way, you may prefer to dismount and wheel your bike across the junction.

Rule 74

Turning. When approaching a junction on the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side road. If you intend to turn left, check first for other cyclists or motorcyclists before signalling. Do not ride on the inside of vehicles signalling or slowing down to turn left.

If you are turning right, check the traffic to ensure it is safe, then signal and move to the centre of the road. Wait until there is a safe gap in the oncoming traffic and give a final look before completing the turn. It may be safer to wait on the left until there is a safe gap or to dismount and push your cycle across the road.

When turning into or out of a side road, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross (see Rule H2).

Rule 75

Two Stage Turns. At some signal-controlled junctions there may be signs and markings informing cyclists to turn right in two stages:

Stage 1: When the traffic lights turn green, cyclists wishing to make the turn should go straight ahead to the location marked by a cycle symbol and turn arrow on the carriageway; then stop and wait there

Stage 2: When the traffic lights on the far side of the junction, now facing the cyclists, turn green, they should then complete the manoeuvre

Rule 76

Going straight ahead. If you are going straight ahead at a junction, you have priority over traffic waiting to turn into or out of the side road, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise (see Rule H3). Check that you can proceed safely, particularly when approaching junctions on the left alongside stationary or slow-moving traffic. Watch out for drivers intending to turn across your path. Remember the driver ahead may not be able to see you, so bear in mind your speed and position in the road.

Take great care when deciding whether it is safe to pass stationary or slow-moving lorries and other long vehicles, especially at the approach to junctions, as their drivers may not be able to see you. Remember that they may have to move over to the right before turning left, and that their rear wheels may then come very close to the kerb while turning (see Rule 67).

Rule 77

Busy roads. When crossing faster or busy main roads, you may find it safer and easier to

dismount and push your cycle across
wait for a safe gap in the traffic before doing so, especially on faster roads and dual carriageways
make use of traffic islands or central reservations to help you where appropriate.

Cycle Accident Compensation Claims

We offer a wealth of guidance when it comes to cycle accidents that involves pedal bikes, motorbikes and scooters. Every case will be individual and you are strongly advised to contact specialist cycle accident solicitors like us to seek independent legal advice. We are here to help you every step of the way to ensure you have an expert solicitor to obtain medical treatment and assistance to maximum compensation under our No Win, No Fee, No Worry, cyclist service.

Some helpful guidance to cyclists wishing to make a claim or find out there legal stance please click on the following links: