Bridge strikes and low-clearance collisions remain a serious concern for HGV vehicles in the UK. From April 2023 to March 2024, 1,532 bridge strikes were reported—the equivalent of one every six hours. These incidents cost Britain’s rail industry £20 million annually due to delays, cancellations, and repairs. However, the impact extends beyond financial losses. These collisions cause major disruptions, increase insurance costs, and put both drivers and the public at risk.
Avoiding these incidents requires more than driver awareness. Advanced fleet technology, including high-quality dash cams and tracking systems, allows operators to prevent these costly and dangerous accidents proactively.
Understanding the Risks of Bridge Strikes and Low-Clearance Collisions
Bridge strikes happen when HGV vehicles collide with a bridge due to insufficient height clearance. Low-clearance collisions, while similar, include impacts with tunnels, overpasses, or height-restricted loading bays. These incidents are entirely avoidable, yet they continue to disrupt businesses, damage infrastructure, and delay transport networks.
The most common reasons for these accidents include inaccurate route planning, driver inexperience, missed signage, and distractions. Many HGV vehicles rely on standard GPS navigation systems that fail to account for height restrictions, leading drivers directly into clearance hazards.
Without HGV tracking and auto GPS tracking device solutions, fleet operators have limited visibility over their drivers’ routes. That means risky, low-clearance roads aren’t flagged in advance, and operators can’t proactively intervene before a collision occurs.
Common Causes of Bridge Strikes and Low-Clearance Collisions
Bridge strikes and low-clearance collisions don’t happen randomly; most incidents stem from avoidable errors. Understanding the key causes behind these accidents is the first step in preventing them and keeping HGV vehicles operating safely and efficiently.
Inaccurate Route Planning
52% of drivers don’t take low bridges into account in route planning. Standard navigation apps do not factor in vehicle height, and without proper HGV tracking technology, drivers may only realise the danger when it’s too late to turn around.
Auto GPS tracking device systems designed for HGV vehicles provide height-aware navigation, automatically avoiding low-clearance areas. Fleet operators can geofence restricted zones, ensuring drivers receive alerts before approaching a height hazard.
Driver Inexperience and Lack of Training
Not all drivers are experienced in handling large, high-clearance vehicles. Many bridge strikes happen because new or infrequent HGV drivers underestimate their vehicle height or fail to recognise low-clearance risks.
By integrating vehicle dashboard camera systems, operators gain greater insight into driver behaviour. The system provides real-time alerts for distractions such as looking away from the road for too long or signs of fatigue, helping drivers stay focused and aware of their surroundings.
Poor Signage or Missed Warnings
Although most low-clearance structures have warning signs, they aren’t always clearly visible. Signs may be obstructed by foliage, worn down over time, or poorly positioned, making it easy for a driver to miss them, especially in bad weather or low-light conditions.
A vehicle dashboard camera with real-time video monitoring captures every moment leading up to an incident. Crystal Ball’s 360° vehicle CCTV system not only assists drivers by displaying the various camera inputs on a monitor within the cab, but it can also safeguard your fleet by offering protection in the event of an incident. It provides concrete evidence of whether a sign was missing, obscured, or unreadable.
How HGV Dash Cams Reduce Bridge Strike Risks
Dash cams are game-changers in preventing bridge strikes and low-clearance collisions. These advanced solutions don’t just record accidents; they help prevent them from happening in the first place.
Using HGV Dash Cams to Improve Driver Awareness
A high-quality vehicle dashboard camera enables fleet operators to analyse driving patterns and identify risk factors. Recorded footage provides valuable insights into near-misses and driver habits, helping businesses improve training and reinforce safe driving practices.
By reviewing auto GPS tracking device data and dash cam footage, operators can assess which routes pose height hazards and make informed decisions about navigation planning, driver education, and risk mitigation.
Driver Behaviour Monitoring and Distraction Prevention
Unsafe driving habits contribute to bridge strikes and low-clearance collisions. Crystal Ball’s SmartCam monitors drivers for signs of distraction, drowsiness, or inattention by tracking head movements and eye closure. If a driver looks away from the road for too long, the system issues an immediate in-cab alert, prompting corrective action before it’s too late.
By actively monitoring driver behaviour, fleet operators can reduce accident risks while improving compliance and overall fleet safety.
HGV Tracking: Enhancing Route Compliance
For fleet operators, HGV tracking goes beyond location monitoring; it plays a crucial role in route compliance and driver oversight. Unlike standard GPS systems, auto GPS tracking device solutions tailored for HGV vehicles provide fleet operators with detailed journey logs and real-time visibility, allowing them to monitor vehicle movements and ensure compliance with designated routes.
By analysing tracking data, fleet operators can identify recurring risks, such as frequent travel through low-clearance zones or restricted roads. These insights help refine route planning and inform driver training, reducing the likelihood of future incidents. Over time, this data-driven approach strengthens long-term compliance and enhances overall road safety.
Strengthening Fleet Safety with Smart Technology
Preventing bridge strikes and low-clearance collisions extends beyond following regulations. It also equips drivers with the right tools to make safer decisions.
By adopting advanced fleet management technology, businesses can:
- Reduce accident risks through live alerts and proactive route planning.
- Monitor driver behaviour to ensure compliance and safety.
- Minimise operational disruptions caused by delays and vehicle damage.
The Road Ahead
Preventing bridge strikes and low-clearance collisions is a growing priority for UK fleet operators. Equipping drivers with the right tools enhances visibility, improves awareness, and strengthens compliance, all key factors in reducing costly and dangerous incidents.
Crystal Ball’s SmartCam and HGV tracking solutions provide real-time insights, AI-powered driver monitoring, and enhanced safety features to help fleets mitigate risks and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
Contact us today to learn how Crystal Ball can help your fleet prevent bridge strikes and low-clearance collisions, and improve overall safety.