The recent Motor Transport article exploring how technology overload might contribute to bridge strikes struck a chord with me. With 1,532 vehicles hitting bridges across the UK in the 2023/24 financial year, it’s no surprise that this remains one of the critical issues for the transport industry.
The panel discussion at the Destination Zero Bridge Strikes National Forum raised many valid points. As solution developers, we recognise that the pace of technological change can feel challenging, particularly for drivers who began their careers long before digital systems became standard. That’s why we focus on creating tools that are intuitive, practical, unintrusive and inclusive for drivers of every generation to support their daily activities.
Experience brings valuable perspective. A recently qualified HGV driver, who has grown up in a connected world, may naturally rely on access to digital tools to feel confident and informed on the road. Conversely, a seasoned professional with years of real-world driving experience may be more attuned to recognising potential hazards instinctively, without consciously depending on alerts or notifications.
But bridge strikes are a universal concern that impact drivers new and experienced alike, core fleet driver or agency driver. Technology designed to warn drivers of low structures isn’t just another feature; it’s an essential safeguard.
The consequences of a bridge strike are serious. They disrupt logistics operations, delay deliveries and affect everyone from customers to organisations such as Network Rail and National Highways. For hauliers, the average cost of a single bridge strike is around £20,000, making prevention not just a safety imperative but a business one, too.
While route optimisation tools are increasingly powerful, they rely on input data quality from the various road network and infrastructure providers as well as system user input for elements such as vehicle height & weight, particularly when navigating rural roads or minor routes, or in diversion scenarios where drivers are routed onto alternative and potential unfamiliar roads due to road network situations. Vehicle modifications can also alter dimensions without a driver’s awareness, increasing the risk of a costly incident.
Fortunately, proactive risk management makes prevention achievable. Comprehensive low-bridge databases along with good master data hygiene can now integrate directly with GPS systems, alerting drivers before a hazard becomes unavoidable regardless of whether the route is known and planned in advance. This early warning capability transforms the response from reactive to preventative.
Ultimately, technology and experience are not at odds, they’re allies. Whether you’re a driver who’s grown up with digital systems or one who has learned the rules of the (ever-changing) road through decades of hands-on experience, the goal is the same: to keep everyone, and everything, moving safely.
Stephen Watson, product director, Microlise
