If you regularly drive on motorways or in industrial areas, you will have seen a yellow sign with black letters on the back or side of lorries: ‘Angles Morts’.
This sign is compulsory in countries such as France and recommended in others such as Spain, particularly for HGVs and special transports such as ADR tankers.
We explain what it means, why it is essential in ADR transport and how to drive safely around tankers.
What does ‘Angles Morts’ mean?
Angles Morts‘ means ’blind spots”. These are the areas around the vehicle where the driver, even with correctly adjusted mirrors, has no direct or indirect visibility.
📍 On an ADR tanker, the most dangerous blind spots are:
- The sides, particularly the right-hand side.
- The area directly behind the vehicle.
- The area close to the front axle (on sharp bends).
Why is this particularly important for ADR tankers?
1️⃣ Greater length and irregular geometry: the tanker generates more blind spots than a conventional rigid truck.
2️⃣ Wider manoeuvres: bends at roundabouts or intersections require lateral movements that can surprise neighbouring drivers.
3️⃣ Potential risk: in the event of an accident, the consequences with dangerous loads (acids, bases, corrosive liquids) can be much more serious than in conventional transport.
How to drive safely near a tanker.
✔ Keep your distance to the sides and rear.
✔ Avoid standing parallel to the cab on urban stretches or at low speeds.
✔ Do not stand in the right-hand corner when the truck is turning.
If you can’t see the driver in his rear-view mirror, he can’t see you either.
At Fernández Aedo, we specifically train all our drivers in safe manoeuvres and blind spot accident prevention, precisely because of the high level of responsibility required by ADR transport.
Mandatory or recommended?
Since 2021, ADR has been compulsory in France for all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. In Spain, although it is not compulsory by law, more and more responsible hauliers are implementing it voluntarily.
If you would like more information on the transport of dangerous goods or any of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.