Why do HGVs try and overtake each other?
I've noticed on motorways recently that HGV drivers often try and overtake their colleagues despite having only a 2-3mph speed advantage over the truck in front. With lane one occupied by a truck doing, say, 59mph and lane two by one doing 62, the result is usually tailbacks whilst this pointless manoeuvre is slowly and painfully executed.
Why do they do this? Most trucks are limited to 62.5mph anyway, surely there cannot be that much of an advantage to the driver?
Why do they do this? Most trucks are limited to 62.5mph anyway, surely there cannot be that much of an advantage to the driver?
Asked on 20 April 2015 by AW, Yorkshire
Answered by
Honest John
Some trucks are limited to 56mph; some to 60mph; some are more heavily laden than others. But drivers only have a limited amount of time to deliver their loads before drivers hours limits force them to take a break. So every minute counts. Happily, ridiculous 40mph tailbacks on A roads have now been reduced by lifting the HGV speed limit on them to 50.
Tags:
motorway driving
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