October Woes: Why is this the worst road safety month in the calendar?

October is an interesting month when it comes to road safety. The days shorten, visibility drops, and the weather begins to turn. This is also the time of year when we see the highest number of bridge strikes across the UK and it’s no coincidence.

According to Network Rail, an average of five bridge strikes occur every day, but that number almost doubles in October. The combination of poor light, challenging weather, increased delivery pressures ahead of the Christmas season, and the use of temporary or seasonal drivers creates a perfect storm for risk.

It’s why the Destination Zero Bridge Strikes campaign is so important and why I’m lending my full support.

About Destination Zero – Bridge Strikes

Every year, around 1,600 bridge strikes happen on our network. Each one carries safety risks, causes disruption, and costs the industry millions. Without change, which could mean 24,000 more incidents in the next 15 years.

The Destination Zero initiative is industry-led, bringing together operators, drivers, trainers, and regulators to promote awareness, share best practice, and embed safety into every level of the transport operation.

What makes this campaign powerful is its focus on engagement, not enforcement. It’s about conversations, not compliance giving teams the tools and knowledge to prevent incidents before they happen.

The team have developed free Toolbox Talks, policy templates, and awareness posters that any operator can use to start the conversation and keep it alive throughout the year.

Why October Matters

October is often the first month of the year when we start to feel the effects of adverse weather something that became all too clear recently when Storm Amy caused significant disruption across the UK.

It’s also the month when:

· Drivers are adjusting to shorter days and reduced visibility

· Roads are wetter, windier, and more unpredictable

· Seasonal drivers may be unfamiliar with vehicles or routes

· Delivery volumes surge in preparation for the festive season

These conditions don’t just test vehicle performance they test driver awareness and decision-making. For high-sided vehicles, being alert to weather warnings, knowing your route, and checking vehicle height is critical.

This is the time of year when I give my own vehicle extra attention: more frequent checks, topped-up levels, and a few winter essentials in the boot, water, blankets,

and high-vis gear. It’s also the right time to make sure our professional fleets are ready for the conditions ahead.

How Operators and Drivers Can Have An influence

Preventing bridge strikes is straightforward when safety becomes part of the daily routine. Simple steps can save thousands in damage and downtime but more importantly, they can save lives.

· Carry out accurate vehicle height checks before every shift

· Plan routes carefully and know potential diversions

· Deliver regular Toolbox Talks and refresher training

· Use available technology — from in-cab alerts to real-time mapping

· Encourage a safety-first culture led by managers, not just compliance teams

As the Destination Zero team put it, “Technology can support, but it can’t replace the most powerful safety asset we have the judgment and awareness of the driver behind the wheel.”

Join the Conversation – Scottish Bridge Strike Forum

The first Scottish Bridge Strike Forum will be held on Wednesday, 19 November, during the RTX Show in Glasgow. This is a fantastic opportunity for operators, trainers, and drivers to come together, share experiences, and shape solutions.

If you’d like to get involved or express interest in attending, please reach out we’d love to hear from you.

The Road Ahead

Bridge strikes are entirely preventable but reducing them to zero requires collaboration across our industry. Campaigns like Destination Zero show that when we start a conversation, people respond and when we work together, change happens.

So, as October reminds us of the risks on our roads, let’s also make it the month we recommit to prevention.

Check your routes. Talk to your teams. Share good practice.

Because the safest journey is the one that never hits a bridge. Get involved at Avoid Bridge Strikes with e-Learning - Destination Zero