h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

All cyclists need to be aware of:
The dangers from Large Goods Vehicles [LGVs], that result from blindspots and cyclists' behaviour.

There is a video titled variously '44 tonne articulated trucks and towns don't mix' or 'Lorries and Towns Don't Mix'.
Watching this video could save your life! I found out the easy way. It seems that too many, if not most find-out the hard way and with an HGV there is no second chance.
This film was made by Robin Webb because his daughter was killed in just this way!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/3219019.stm

Please note, these lorries aren't necessarily 44 tonners. But they are more than capable of killing a cyclist.

A quote from an experienced Traffic Police Officer in the film [paraphrased]:
“..,Accidents between lorries and cyclists are always very similar. They almost invariably involve a lorry turning left, that hasn't seen a cyclist on their near-side. The lorry will have moved-out to allow himself room to make the turn, which creates an inviting lane for the cyclist – the advice to cyclists is don't go there... There are several mirrors but the area near the cab is very hard if not impossible to see into.., There will be a gentle impact at first with the side of the lorry, just enough to knock the cyclist onto the ground. Once on the ground, the cyclist will be too close to the ground to be caught by the side protection bars...,”

Article:
http://www.camcycle.org.uk/newsletters/53/article4.html


Film:
http://showcase.commedia.org.uk/article/articleview/390/1/13/

For those who are unaware of the article or the film, please read the article and watch the the film – NOW! It just might save your life!

Please tell every cyclist you know about this! You might save theirs!
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BTW: With so many continental lorries on UK roads nowadays, it's important to remember that with continental lorries, the blind spots are reversed. How obvious you say, yes I know, but if stating the bleeding obvious saves someone from death or being mangled, then I'll say it.