Heavy goods vehicles make up approximately 3.6% of non-motorway traffic in the UK. Between 2012 and 2016, they were involved in 17.5% of all cyclist fatalities. In London, the disparity is even sharper: HGVs account for less than 4% of miles driven in the city but were responsible for 78% of cyclist fatalities during the […]
4 August 2026
HGVs account for roughly 70% of cyclist fatalities on UK roads despite making up only 4% of traffic. The consistent factor in these incidents is not speed, driver inattention, or road conditions. It is the physical geometry of large vehicles — the zones around an HGV where the driver has no direct line of sight […]
Most drivers know that something beeps when they reverse too close to a wall. Fewer know what is actually making that calculation, or why the same technology that helps you park a van is also used on an HGV navigating a loading dock with a cyclist in the nearside blind spot. Ultrasonic sensors are one […]
For fleet managers, ensuring vehicle and driver safety isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protecting people, reducing risk, and keeping operations running smoothly. With the right technology in place, significant improvements to fleet safety can happen quickly and cost-effectively. Here are five ways to instantly improve fleet safety today. Eliminate Blind Spots with Camera […]
23 June 2025
When it comes to fleet safety systems, there are a few common myths that keep popping up – and they could be costing businesses time, money, and peace of mind. Whether you’re managing a small fleet or hundreds of vehicles, here’s the truth behind some of the biggest misconceptions in the industry. Myth 1: […]
18 June 2025
Installing a reverse alarm is one of the simplest ways to boost safety and protect your business. These alarms alert pedestrians, workers, and other drivers when a vehicle is reversing, helping to prevent accidents before they happen. But beyond safety, they also play a key role in reducing liability if an incident does occur. […]
23 May 2025
With safety regulations tightening across the UK, especially under London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS), fleet operators must act fast to stay compliant. One of the core requirements? Installing a vehicle sensor system, and Backwatch is here to help you with that. These systems aren’t just a regulatory box-tick, they’re a proven way to reduce accidents, […]
28 April 2025
Keeping your fleet safe is a top priority for any business. Whether you’re managing delivery vans or large lorries, reducing accidents and keeping drivers safe is a constant challenge. That’s where Progressive Safe Systems (PSS) can help. At Backwatch, we offer PSS to improve vehicle safety and protect your fleet. What Are Progressive Safe […]
18 November 2024
With stricter Direct Vision Standard (DVS) regulations coming into effect in October 2024, fleet operators need to act now to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. The new rules will require HGVs driving in Greater London to have a minimum three-star DVS rating or install advanced safety systems. While a grace period extending to May 4, […]
15 October 2024
In recent news, there has been a DVS grace period extension. The London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, after extensive negotiations with Logistics UK, has announced a crucial extension of the grace period for the implementation of the next stage of the DVS. This blog post aims to provide clarity on what this means for […]
30 July 2024
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