It is becoming increasingly common for logistic drivers to stop randomly on the motorway, but this needs to stop. Stopping on the motorway, whether on the hard shoulder or in an emergency layby, you really shouldn't be doing this unless it is an emergency.
There has been an increase in lorry drivers stopping in these places to go toilet or even have a break so their time doesn't overrun behind the wheel. Doing this is incredibly dangerous as it does not allow other people to use the area when there is an actual emergency to be solved.
As a lorry driver, it is your responsibility to time your journeys and take regular breaks in the safe zone of service stations. Plan your journey so your timings are in line with when service stations will be around. Don't put yourself or others at risk by stopping randomly on the motorway.
Where to Stop Safely
When working in logistics, it is likely you will be travelling long distances across your working day. When this is the case, you want to ensure you know the places you can stop on your journey.
If you just need a stop to break up your journey or to create a lunch break, a great place to stop is at a service station. When travelling in a lorry, you should stick to main motorways and bigger roads. There should be a lot of service stations along these roads to provide ample stopping places.
Overnight Stops
If you need somewhere to stop overnight to sleep, most lorries will have a place for you to sleep in the cabin. But you need to pull over somewhere safe. Again, this can be at a service station. Or you can pull over at the side of a road in a layby.
Always take regular breaks, but make sure you stop safely and not causing an obstruction for other drivers.
Key Takeaways
- Never stop on the hard shoulder unless it's a genuine emergency
- Plan your journey around service station locations
- Use designated rest areas and service stations for breaks
- Consider overnight stops at safe locations like truck stops
- Always prioritise safety over convenience