What Part Of Driver Training Can Prevent Bridge Strikes?

The benefits of excellent LGV driver training can be demonstrated by the consistency and standard of driving that takes place on the roads thereafter. Companies needing drivers need to be sure that their candidates gain outstanding skills, including in risk assessment.

Driver training will focus on risk assessments in various areas:

• Ensuring the vehicle itself is safe to drive
• Understanding differences between an LGV and smaller vehicles, and the risks this can pose to other road users
• Learning the importance of road signs for LGV drivers

In the latter case, every driver needs to know basic road signs, but some become of greater importance for LGV drivers because of the nature of the vehicle, such as those indicating that a route is unsuitable or requires caution, because of issues concerning height, width or weight.

Height is a major training issue, as bridge strikes can damage vehicles and bridges alike.

Some low bridges are very vulnerable, such as Trafle Mill Bridge in Gowerton, Swansea. A recent Nation Cymru report described it as ‘the most bashed bridge in Wales’ after yet another strike.

The report noted that frequent strikes happen despite efforts by Swansea Council to improve signage warning drivers of the low bridge, highlighting the importance of training to recognise this danger. 

How Bad Is The Problem Of Bridge Strikes?

Railway bridges over roads are among the most commonly struck. According to data produced by Network Rail for the year to the end of March 2025, there had been 1,666 strikes on rail bridges, or one every five hours.

Network Rail noted that it was working with haulage companies to try to curb the problem. The government also put the spotlight on the haulage industry when it issued new guidance on bridge strikes in 2024, highlighting the importance of training.

In a statement, it said this began “at the very basics with adequate training on risk assessment.”

This point emphasises the fact that risk assessment skills are a key part of driver training in the haulage industry. Understanding road signage warning of low bridges and other hazards is a prime example of the vital skills good training will provide.