Many members of the public may not fully appreciate the skill, responsibility and pressures involved in driving an HGV, according to new research from Microlise.
A survey of 250 transport and logistics managers found that 62% believe the public does not have a full understanding of the role HGV drivers perform. More than half (52%) also said they believe their drivers feel undervalued by other road users. Road safety was a major theme in the research, with managers highlighting several simple changes that motorists could make to reduce risks when sharing the road with larger vehicles.
Maintaining a safe distance was considered particularly important, with four in 10 respondents identifying leaving sufficient space behind HGVs on motorways and dual carriageways as one of the most important behaviours for other drivers. On smaller roads, 35% highlighted the need for motorists to maintain an appropriate distance. Other important behaviours included signalling early, allowing HGVs sufficient room to manoeuvre and avoiding cutting in front of trucks, particularly around junctions and slip roads.
The findings form part of Microlise's Navigating UK Transport and Logistics in 2026 and Beyond report, which examines some of the workforce, operational and technological issues facing the transport industry.
David Hallam, a driver for Gist and winner of the Medium Distance Driver category at the Microlise Driver of the Year Awards 2026, said: "One of the things I enjoy about the job is knowing you play a part in keeping the country moving, but there is also a huge amount of responsibility that comes with that.
Every day you're thinking ahead, anticipating hazards and making decisions to keep yourself and everyone around you safe.
Most road users are considerate, but the small changes highlighted in this research really can make a difference. A better understanding of HGV drivers and the space they need to operate safely helps make roads safer for everyone."
Nadeem Raza, CEO of Microlise, said the findings demonstrated a gap between the demands of the profession and how it is perceived by other road users. "What this research shows is that operators recognise a clear gap between the skill and responsibility involved in driving an HGV and the way that role is understood by the wider public. HGV drivers are highly skilled professionals performing a vital role within the UK economy, and greater understanding of the pressures they face can only help improve safety across the road network."
The research suggests that better awareness among motorists could play an important role in making roads safer for everyone. Giving HGVs more space, anticipating their movements and avoiding sudden manoeuvres around larger vehicles are relatively simple steps that could make a significant difference.