School pupils were given a lesson in HGV blind spots by police earlier this month, in order that they stay safe during the holidays.

Essex police’s commercial vehicle unit (CVU) used a lorry to highlight how drivers can’t always see what is happening around them, particularly when reversing.

Pupils and teachers at Harris Primary School in South Stifford, Thurrock also had the opportunity to work out just how many children could stand in front of an HGV on loan from Iveco and not be seen.

The ‘thumbs up’ talk encourages pedestrians to communicate with an HGV driver, or any other driver.

The police said that by giving a thumbs up a pedestrian can signal that they intend to enter an area or cross the road and the driver can take the necessary action to keep the pedestrian safe.

CVU Sergeant Jason Dearsley said: “There are five road deaths in the UK every day and every 16 minutes someone is the victim of life changing injuries because of a collision.

“The positive engagement and laughter, I hope, will be remembered the next time they go to cross a road.”

Essex Police’s Commercial Vehicle Unit used a lorry to give a “thumbs up” road safety talk to Thurrock primary school pupil

Essex Police’s Commercial Vehicle Unit used a lorry to give a “thumbs up” road safety talk to Thurrock primary school pupils

Source: Essex Police

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