HGV Accident Statistics UK: 2025 Data & Safety (2026)

HGV collisions, vehicle involvements and casualties

A collision involving two lorries counts as one collision but two HGV involvements. This is why the 3,517 HGVs involved in injury collisions in 2025 describe vehicles rather than distinct accidents.

There were 186 HGV involvements in fatal collisions and 10 deaths among HGV occupants. The occupant figure covers people inside the lorry; DfT reports that most people killed in collisions involving HGVs are other road users.

HGV and car collision rates

HGVs had a rounded fatal collision involvement rate of 11 per billion vehicle miles in 2025, compared with 6 for cars. For injury collisions of all severities, the rates were 215 for HGVs and 484 for cars.

The pattern differs by severity: HGVs had a lower overall injury-collision involvement rate but a higher fatal-collision involvement rate. These vehicle-based comparisons describe involvement, with routes, exposure and other road users affecting the outcomes; they do not assign driver fault.

London’s Direct Vision Standard

HGVs over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight need an HGV safety permit to enter or operate in the scheme area, which covers most of Greater London. Since 28 October 2024, vehicles require at least a three-star Direct Vision Standard rating or the Progressive Safe System.

The scheme addresses visibility and safety equipment. Its permit requirements apply to London separately from the Great Britain casualty statistics above.

Driver CPC training requirements

Professional lorry drivers generally need 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training every five years, subject to official exemptions. The type of work determines whether National or International Driver CPC is needed.

Fatigue and journey planning

Managing fatigue involves realistic schedules, adequate rest, fitness-to-drive arrangements and journey planning. Employers should assess the driver, journey and vehicle together, including whether time pressure or the planned working pattern could make a journey unsafe.

Frequently asked questions

How many HGVs were involved in injury collisions in 2025?

3,517 HGVs were involved in police-reported injury collisions in Great Britain. A collision involving two HGVs contributes two vehicle involvements.

How many HGVs were involved in fatal collisions?

186 HGVs were involved in fatal collisions in Great Britain in 2025. This measures vehicle involvement rather than the number of people killed.

How many HGV occupants died in 2025?

10 HGV occupants died in Great Britain. Other road users killed in HGV-involved collisions are counted in their own road-user categories.