An articulated tipper truck, loaded with clay, rolled over when it veered off the road onto the soft verge. The vehicle ended up on its side in the hedge of a farmer’s field. The driver is reported to have had a sneezing fit immediately prior to the incident. No other vehicle was involved and the driver was uninjured and passed the police checks (Breath test, etc.)

Investigation confirmed the following:

• The driver had been supporting the haulier, who have the clay contract, for the previous 8 days, completing 38 deliveries via this route
• The driver was wearing his seatbelt, which helped avoid injury
• Tacho suggests the driver was travelling at 35mph, well within the 50mph limit when the accident occurred
• The driver had 11.5Hrs continuous rest prior
• The driver has held his Class 1 HGV license for 13Yrs with no notable accident history
• Weather was dry, visibility good, the road was wet
• Mobile phone checks confirm not in use while driving
• The driver suffers from hay fever and takes (non drowsy) medication
• This is the 3^rd almost identical incident in the last 6 years which has involved our clay fleet, plus many other none company related incidents on this route

• Consider whether alternative routes are available that avoid known local hazard spots.


• Confirm Driver inductions make specific reference to known hazards, such as soft verges in this case.


• Liaise with local councils as appropriate to see if improvements can be made.


• Remind drivers of the need to drive to the road and weather conditions and wear their seatbelt…This helped avoid serious injuries in this incident.