Every year, hundreds of Bridge Strikes occur on the UK’s roads, causing disruption, risking lives, and costing the transport industry millions.
Network Rail reports an average of five bridge strikes every day - a figure that almost doubles in October, making it the peak month for incidents.
That’s why awareness, training, and proactive action are essential and why the Industry-led Destination Zero campaign is focused on helping Operators and drivers bring Bridge Strikes down to zero.
Why October sees more Bridge Strikes
October brings added pressures that increase risks for drivers and Operators:
Shorter days and poor visibility as the clocks change
Challenging weather conditions with rain, fog, and early frosts
Increased delivery demands ahead of the Christmas peak
Temporary or seasonal drivers who may be unfamiliar with vehicles or routes
That’s why prevention must be a priority. Bridge Strikes aren’t just costly - they’re entirely preventable. Incidents drop dramatically when drivers are given the right training, accurate height-check resources, and regular reminders about route planning and awareness of low bridges.
This isn’t about box-ticking. It’s about embedding safety into the culture of every operation, with managers and drivers reinforcing best practice every day.
The cost of a single strike - in money, reputation, and safety - is far greater than the investment in proper training. The message is clear: educate, plan, prevent.
Destination Zero – raising awareness
The Destination Zero campaign was launched to galvanise the industry into action. Bridge Strikes became a priority for the Traffic Commissioner, but responsibility doesn’t sit with regulators alone. The industry itself is best placed to drive change.
When Senior Traffic Commissioner Kevin Rooney opened the launch event, his message was clear: the industry must take ownership of this issue, and doing nothing is no longer an option.
Workshops and round tables created a buzz of engagement, with Operators focusing on practical solutions - from gate checks to better driver engagement - rather than simply highlighting problems. Issues such as obscured signage were raised, but the overwhelming theme was that collaboration, consistency, and training are the keys to long-term change.
A key tool is our free Bridge Strikes Toolbox Talk - a 20-minute e-learning module Operators can share with drivers. It has already been rolled out by hundreds of companies like GIST, with drivers receiving certificates of completion to demonstrate ongoing training.
Practical steps Operators can take
Reducing the risk of Bridge Strikes means combining training, culture, and technology:
Regular Toolbox Talks and refresher training
Accurate vehicle height checks
Route planning that avoids low bridges
Reinforcing a safety-first culture, led by managers
Technology solutions from companies such as Parksafe - one of our trusted partners whose products provide drivers with real-time alerts and tools to support safer journeys
By bringing together people, processes, and technology, Operators can significantly reduce risks.
Be part of Destination Zero
The mission of Destination Zero is simple: zero Bridge Strikes and it will only succeed if the industry acts together.
Become a champion of the campaign by:
Adopting the Policy Statement – Make Bridge Strike prevention a visible business priority
Delivering annual training to all drivers – Our free 15–20 minute e-learning Toolbox Talk keeps awareness fresh and every driver receives a certificate of completion
Displaying the awareness poster – A clear reminder in depots and noticeboards to keep safety top of mind
Following a full post-collision procedure – If an incident happens, look at the cause, not just the outcome - available from David Somers
The launch made one thing clear: if you invite people to get involved, they will. Now it’s about turning that energy into action - and continuing the downward trend in Bridge Strikes.
Sign up for the free Bridge Strikes Toolbox Talk here and access your free training, policy statement, and awareness poster.
Source: Network Rail
