Once you and any involved motorists are safe, report the bridge strike immediately to the relevant authorities.
Hitting a bridge of any size is every trucker’s nightmare. It can wreck your truck, disrupt traffic, and even cost you your licence. Yet, it happens over 1,800 times each year in the UK, costing taxpayers £23 million annually.
That’s why Network Rail’s ‘Wise Up, Size Up’ campaign is urging HGV drivers to know their vehicle’s height and take precautions.
The best way to prevent a bridge strike is by using a Low Bridge Detection System (LDS) like the Snooper Bridge-Saver, which warns you before it’s too late. But if the worst happens, knowing what to do next can make all the difference.
What To Do If You Hit a Low Bridge
Accidents happen, and if you find yourself in an unfortunate situation, follow these steps immediately:
- Stop Safely: Stop your vehicle immediately and turn on your hazard lights to warn other road users.
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers. Do not move injured individuals unless there is immediate danger (e.g., fire, collapse, etc.)
- Exit the Vehicle: if it’s safe to do so, exit your vehicle. Place warning triangles or other safety markers to alert other drivers. Keep a safe distance from the bridge in case of falling debris.
- Call 999: Report the accident to alert police immediately.
- If it’s a Rail Bridge, Contact Network Rail: Look for an identification plate on the bridge – attached will be a telephone number to reach Network Rail’s regional control centre.
- Do Not Move Your Vehicle: Wait for police to assess the situation and follow their instructions. Try to keep anyone away and at a safe distance until the police arrive.
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Report the Incident to the Right Authorities:
- Notify your employer and insurer/insurance broker as soon as possible.
Contact the OTC (Office of the Traffic Commissioner) and provide the following:- Operator Licence (OL) number.
- Location, time and date of the accident.
- Confirmation that you or the police are investigating.
- Confirm you have notified Network Rail (if applicable).
- Ensure you receive written acknowledgment from the OTC confirming receipt.
- Notify your employer and insurer/insurance broker as soon as possible.
The Cost of a Bridge Strike
You’ve hit a bridge and you’ve done all the steps. You’ve done everything right after the accident – now comes the financial hit. So, what happens next?
The average cost of striking a bridge is £13,000 in damages. This includes bridge repairs, compensation for traffic disruption, and insurance.
Unfortunately, many severe strikes end up causing drivers to lose their HGV license or face legal action, leading many to never drive again – often for a mistake that could’ve been prevented with the right precautions, like a Low Bridge Detection System.
Transport businesses aren’t safe from this either, as they can face higher insurance premiums, reputational damage, and possible regulatory scrutiny.
How to Prevent Bridge Strikes
Even the most experienced truckers can miss a warning sign. That’s why the Snooper Bridge Saver is designed to keep you alert – giving you visual and audio warnings before a low bridge ever becomes a problem.
While bridge strikes are common, they are 100% preventable with the right precautions:
Planning: Know your journey ahead of time.
Know the Height of your Vehicle: Ensure you know your vehicle’s dimensions before travel and display it clearly in your cab as a constant reminder
Always be Alert: Keep an eye out for bridge height warning signs. If you’re feeling tired, take a break – fatigue isn’t a joke and can increase mistakes.
Mind Your Trailer: Your trailer swings differently from your cab. Always account for its height and movement when turning or reversing.
Use Snooper Bridge Saver: Even the best drivers can miss a warning sign.
That’s where the Snooper Bridge Saver comes in:
- Advanced Low Bridge Alerts – Customised warnings based on your truck or trailer’s height and width.
- Portable and Easy To Use – Supports up to 10 vehicle profiles and can be moved between vehicles.
- UK and EU Coverage – Detailed mapping with free lifetime updates.
- Custom Alerts – Gives you enough time to find a safe place to turn around.
- Secure – Lock settings with a passcode for peace of mind.
- Quick Setup – Simple installation and ready to use in minutes
Even the most experienced truckers can miss a low bridge warning sign. That’s why a Low Bridge Detection System like Snooper Bridge Saver is essential. It alerts you in real-time based on your truck or trailer’s height, so you never have to second-guess if a bridge is too low.
Bridge strikes are completely preventable with the right tools and knowledge. Want a full breakdown of low bridge risks and how to avoid them? Read about the importance of Low Bridge Alerts.
Every six hours, an HGV crashes into a bridge in the UK – don’t let it be you.
One wrong turn could cost you thousands of pounds, your truck, or even your career.
Protect your job. Protect your truck. Avoid career-ending mistakes. Click here to get the Snooper Bridge-Saver today – the #1 device trusted by truckers for avoiding low bridges!
