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'Crack down on truck drivers'

by
2008-11-28 10:21

Dear editor,

With the Christmas season looming, and the Traffic Department taking stringent measures to curb road fatalities, a pertinent point to road safety must be raised.

Firstly, let me say that I agree with the penalties placed on drivers over the legal alcohol limit, and against drivers who blatantly speed.

However, one group that has repeatedly gone unnoticed is the trucking industry.

I drive on a relatively busy road to work during the week, and at least on three occasions weekly I drive past a truck that is either: a) driving at a snails pace, b) severely overloaded, c) obviously not roadworthy and d) with tyres devoid of tread.

This concerns me, especially when truck drivers drive dangerously due to inadequate vehicles.

Let me stand in defence of truck drivers and say that it is not all truck drivers, and that companies are also to take responsibility for maintaining their vehicles.

Nonetheless, we can agree that the number of trucks on the road is increasing, that many trucks are unsafe, and that trucks pose a particular threat to road safety.

Frequently we read of accidents where trucks are involved, be it failing of breaks, or speeding and been unable to stop, amongst many other reasons.

I wonder what the measures are being taken this festive season (and beyond) to ensure that the ticking time bomb of dangerous trucks is put to a stop?

Robert Ndungane

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aka aka 11/28/2008 10:45:10 AM
And then they make sure that at least one digit is missing from the "How's my driving" telephone number.
Wessie 11/28/2008 10:53:26 AM
A broken down truck occurs at least a few times a week on the N1 highway between Pretoria and JHB, usually between Atterbury and Rigel.Why are these trucks breaking down and causing obstructions in traffic all the time?They are obviously not roadworthy.I say ban all large trucks from highways during peak traffic hours
max 11/28/2008 10:58:37 AM
Then there are those that travel over the speed limit (which I thought was 100kmph for trucks and buses).
Viparo 11/28/2008 11:05:17 AM
You're right.Companies should use rail transport on long haul transport,instead of road.A truck puts 10 times the amount of strain on a road than what a car does, hence the higher toll fees. Also,above your recommendations,banning trucks from cities and towns from 6 am to 6 pm will also lessen accidents with vehicles and lighten congestion. They do this in some parts of India, and it works very well.But the law needs to be enforced much tighter on trucks than on vehicles.
GeeGee 11/28/2008 11:06:14 AM
and Taxi Drivers and Private drivers who drive unroadworthy vehicles, who blatantly disregard traffic rules...OH Where to start, where to start...And finally, especially those IDIOTS who cut in front of these unroadworthy trucks a few millimetres before a traffic light or stop sign
faried 11/28/2008 11:09:16 AM
i fully agree with the comments made about the trucks, many of them overtake without any indication thus causing danger to the other road users. my son is comatose for the past three and a half years due to a negligent truck driver.
sara 11/28/2008 11:11:09 AM
Finally something not about politics. I agree with you completely. I too drive to work on a highway everyday. Also another thing about truck drivers, they think they can just change lanes at a drop of a pin and you have to slam on the brakes. They dont care!
Richard 11/28/2008 11:13:08 AM
You can add the fact that they all seem to regard the middle lane as their sole preserve except when they are overtaking (at a very slow rate) when they occupy the right hand lane. I use the N1 from the west of Jo'burg on a bike and they scare the hell out of me!
zane 11/28/2008 11:20:48 AM
the problem also comes in when these truck drivers and bus drivers believe that they own the road. I do alot of driving and not a day goes by that I dont see poor driving nd blatant disregard for other road users
malcolmx 11/28/2008 11:20:50 AM
You cannot even dream our road traffic authorities will have any logical strategy towards avoiding road carnage this festive season. As per every year they will focus on the soft targets which are more likely to boost their budgets. There is no hope. Brace yourselves for the worst ever carnage this year & ignore the statistics. Theyr'e ficticious.
Oom_Kosie 11/28/2008 11:23:09 AM
The many trucks on the road are an unfortunate consequence of Transnet STILL being unable to manage a proper rail-freight system in SA. We need to buy stuff - trucks need to bring the stuff to us, unfortunately. They should, however, be properly maintained like any other vehicle.
Houston 11/28/2008 11:23:50 AM
Taxis, no greater threat on earth, sad reality is they are lawless and the cops do nothing about it
Justin Leigh 11/28/2008 11:25:16 AM
You ask a question pertaining to the trucking industry but you don't present a reasonable solution, our economy can not survive without trucks, it is the lifeblood that keeps things going, without them you won't have groceries and gifts to purchase, nothing would work. THere does however need to be a shift to focus on moving cargo via railway, that is our biggest problem...
Marc 11/28/2008 11:26:05 AM
Dont be silly - that would cost the government money now, would it not? If they cant catch you in a speed trap and make some cash, they dont give a toss. We need patrolling vehicles on our roads, since moving violations have proved to be the most dangerous. But again, that is a way too much effort. If you are an MEC, then you have a blue light convoy for protection and safety - so therefore government not hassled about this.
Richard 11/28/2008 11:27:34 AM
You can add the fact that they all seem to regard the middle lane as their sole preserve except when they are overtaking (at a very slow rate) when they occupy the right hand lane. I use the N1 from the west of Jo'burg on a bike and they scare the hell out of me!
marian van der walt 11/28/2008 11:32:00 AM
what about the putco busses. the drive like hell just drive infront of you. or they sit on your tail that you have to drive like hell.
Andrew 11/28/2008 11:42:24 AM
Thanks for the article!
Oom_Kosie 11/28/2008 11:43:30 AM
I'm not a truck driver, and nor do I know any, but I imagine that their bosses put a lot of pressure on them not to be late with their cargoes. They often have to drive for days without any proper rest periods. This does not excuse their driving behaviour, but it does make it more understandable. It's not out of malice, it's out of fear and fatigue. How would you feel if you had to change through 17 or 21 gears (with VERY short ratios) at every stop?
AJ 11/28/2008 11:43:50 AM
The usual solution to this is better rail infrastructure. That is why I preferred upgrading rail of Spoornet as a better use of money than Gautrain.
Trucker 11/28/2008 11:46:59 AM
It is your child's new bicycle, your wifes, new washing machine, and your new plasma TV on it's way to the Retailer. Maybe the medication for your Parents? Or food for your family. Wake up! Who is going to take the freight from the railways to the stores? Or maybe they should build station under the malls? Let's get the Gauteng team involved!
Yanarp 11/28/2008 11:48:05 AM
i dont mind truck drivers driving slow... i can understand that.. but when the driving slow and they decide to overtake another truck thats also driving slow.. than we got to sit behind these 2 slow vehicles. cant all these logistic companies hire decent drivers
Bandit 11/28/2008 11:57:04 AM
I agree that we need to reduce the number of trucks on the road as it will increase safety and increase the timespan for road maintenance. Maybe if transnet could actually get the railways operational and cost effective to transport freight it would be feasible but with everyone praising Maria for putting them in the black, maybe the next big cheese will actually get things back into running order that our country has a useable rail system.
LIVION MAHLANGU 11/28/2008 11:57:14 AM
Punish operators who employ unlicences drivers. A traffic fine issued doesn't become a driver's licence. If a driver is caught without a driver's licence, he/she must not be allowed to proceed, only a licenced driver must come and fetch the vehicle. How about compulsory advinced driving????
Gerry 11/28/2008 12:01:21 PM
I agree 100% with your sentiments. Transport operators and truck drivers are getting away with "murder". Is it perhaps because it is too good a good source of income (in the form of bribes) for the traffic officials?
Badger 11/28/2008 12:01:28 PM
,,,That this country's rail road system is no-existent that why a lot of companies use trucks. I agree, some drivers suffer from fatigue and swerve all over the road. There is a saying..."Without Trucks, South Africa Stops..." Get a government in place that will sort out the rail system instead of spending BILLIONS on a fancy train (and some pockets) that WILL break down. !!!
Rodders 11/28/2008 12:03:54 PM
...are those trucks that drive at about 40km an hour at night, and have no rear lights! I have lost friends who have ploughed into the back of trucks like this at high speed, because you really cannot see them at night until the last second....
Joey 11/28/2008 12:05:45 PM
Excellent article, Robert, I fully agree with you. The law enforcement agencies should empose severe fines on trucks that break the law. Common offences are exceeding the speed limit, lights that don't work, wreckless driving. But we all know that the law enforcing agencies find it much easier to man speedcameras in stead of enforcing the law properly by getting these dangerous drivers and their unroadworthy vehicles off the raods.
SH 11/28/2008 12:16:11 PM
We must be one of the few countries in the world that allow so many heavy duty trucks on the road, but then again we have a non-existant rail infrastructure. In Cape Town there are at least 10 trucks in the morning that break down and stop traffic. Most of the freight companies make no effort to maintain their trucks.
citizen 11/28/2008 12:19:48 PM
The lack of sufficient, thorough and consistent traffic authority on all RSA's roads all year round is problem #1. Bribery and corruption #2. Lack of training #3. Lack of resources #4. Ignorance of govt. #5. Where do I stop?! All vehicles which transport passengers and heavy transport vehicles must be properly tested quarterly at a cost. Yup. Tough s@#$. All drivers of such vehicles to be tested every 24 months at a cost. Yup. Tough s@#$. That way the real culprits will be brought to book. TB ctd
Regan Waters 11/28/2008 12:20:25 PM
I have noticed more and more lately that the trucks are not marked with any identifying labels or names of companies etc. They are all unbranded-so it's virtually impossible to phone their boss and complain if they are overloaded, driving recklessly etc. I think it should be a law that any truck/bakkie over say, 3 tons, should have a contact telephone no. or the name of the company on it..
The Truth 11/28/2008 12:21:33 PM
Bayhead Road and Edwin Swales Drive in Durban.Any time of the day or night,all week long.
Rambelani 11/28/2008 12:24:17 PM
Those who travel allong Gillolys and Van Buuren could not agree with the writer more. I have since decided not use that free way ever again during week days. Those trucks have made it a habit of breaking down during peak hours. It will take you fourty minutes from Berdfordview to get onto the N3.
Badger 11/28/2008 12:24:18 PM
That the railway system in this country does not work. Get a government in to fix it instead of spending BILLIONS on a fancy train (and a couple of pockets) that will eventually not work. There is a saying ..." Without Trucks, South Africa Stops.." but do agree !!!
Henri 11/28/2008 12:29:55 PM
1) Trucks are contributors to accidents on our roads as it makes long ques and people take chances to overtake. 2) Trucks are also the main reasons for potholes ripping our roads apart, thus again increasing road maintenance costs and contributing accidents by potholes. 3)Transportation of goods in any 1st world country is done by a good rail network. South Africa had one but it quickly turned into a nightmare. To invest in our rail network is the only way to get these trucks off the road.
ss 11/28/2008 12:32:28 PM
I agree with your article. I have nearly been "permanently removed" on a number of occasions with them skipping a red traffic light, or moving into a lane of oncoming traffic without checking. I must add there are also a number of light vehicles that do pretty much the same. People should in fact be afraid of breaking the law because of the consequences which they will face when caught / not if caught.
William 11/28/2008 12:36:33 PM
I agree. Trucks are the main causes on the highways for traffic jams. Look at this morning between Rigel & John Vorster. A Banana truck lost it's load in the right hand lane. What was it doing in that lane in any way. I also think that trucks must be banned off all freeways during peak hours.
Terry 11/28/2008 12:38:03 PM
I agree that something needs to be done about truck drivers - I drive between Pietermaritzburg and Durban almost every day, and the discipline of truck drivers is shocking. They seem to think that all lanes belong to them and try and overtake one another with total disregard for all other road users. It is time the authorities started to crack down on their behaviour
GailC 11/28/2008 12:42:17 PM
Trucks should be pulled off the road and those found unroadworthy impounded with goods. NO FINES JUST HOLD GOODS and you will soon get the large unroadworthy trucks in line. If we went to rail many people would lose income and jobs and we'd have same drama as taxis/busses and the BRT
Fana Nafa 11/28/2008 12:48:24 PM
Justin Leigh, What about all the thousands of man (women) hours that are wasted every day due to trucks braking down (or causing major accidents)on busy free ways? The fact that trucks are essential does not give businesses the right to transport their goods with unroadworthy vehicles. All business owners have to obide by the laws, regardless of whether they contribute to our economy or not.
Crimson 11/28/2008 12:52:27 PM
I know a guy that drives trucks and when he is driving he is carefull. He hasnt got a grilfriend.
Crimson 11/28/2008 12:53:55 PM
I know a guy that drives trucks and when he is driving he is carefull. He hasnt got a grilfriend. It is all thet he can do and if you doesnt lyk it then its a shame he needs to make money and put your food on the shelf. Please forgive him
Nick 11/28/2008 12:54:06 PM
This country unfortunately now has to run on trucks after the ANC trashed the railways system. The problem is now, the ANC also trashed the Police force which means that bribes and kickbacks are the order of the day. So unroadworthy trucks with drivers without valid licences are the order of the day. And who do we have to thank "NOT BOLAND BANK" corrupt ANC GOVERMENT!!!!!
GailC 11/28/2008 1:02:16 PM
Other countries like Britain have just as many large trucks on the road, they just are more organised. Ultimately it is the Freight companies responsibility but it would simplify things if rail were used and the freight companies used smaller trucks for intown deliveries withinn a specific radius. This would take traffic off the roads and prevent major jams in town with delivery. Decentralising would provide jobs.
Almost killed... 11/28/2008 1:34:48 PM
We were driving in the middle lane on the N1 northbound and we had a heavy truck overtake us in the fast lane! He then proceeded to move back into the middle lane in front of us. This happened 3 times. If you note any bad driving, visit the road safety website and register yourself to report offenses. Or phone 0861400800. It's unacceptable!
Bongani 11/28/2008 1:40:55 PM
Have you seen how often a truck is involved in the accidents, and can you imagine all the truck drivers with forged licences, thats why they drive so badly. They have no idea on the rules of the road. Like driving a large tank, just no live rounds in the barrel!!
Ngungu Siphemphe 11/28/2008 2:38:52 PM
I drive n track and i always are safe! it becos of f people like you what we makes peenuts for money at the end of the day. Next time i see you i will drive over your lucxury sedan!
DS 11/28/2008 2:42:27 PM
Ban trucks from using the fast lane, they do this in the UK and it works very well. At no time will you ever see a slow moving truck in the right had lane. Also put forward stringent tests for truck drivers, I dont and cant believe that many have drivers licenses, not with the way they drive. This does not apply to all truck drivers, many are considerate, but there are also many who are shocking drivers and dont give a hoot about other road users. Too many close shaves for my liking!
Ngungu Siphemphe 11/28/2008 2:44:03 PM
I cant help they givd me a flippd up track! It is like when you cruise on high road and a butterflie hit your windscream.
Ginger 11/28/2008 3:05:27 PM
It is not just trucks - all vehicles should be roadworthy and pulled off it they can't go 40km per hour minimum. No slow vehicles in lane three on the freeway. Trucks in lane three should just be a big NO. No bald tires and belching black smoke. Bigger attention needs to be paid to braking side sections - especailly for anyone coming down Vereenings pass or such places of great steepness. Those brake places are not being maintained. And like overseas we should have hour log books.
NorthernExposure 11/28/2008 3:19:23 PM
Being in the freight forwarding sector all I can say is that all trucks that break down is not unroadworthy . . . That is just a ridiculous assumption . . . How many cars break down every day? You all want to complain because the trucks slowed you down from doing 160 km/h + on the freeways to actually within the speed limits . . .
Shuaib Abed 11/28/2008 3:45:14 PM
Fair enough, its the truck that carts our goods, its the bus and the taxi that carry our people to work and back, but its the DRIVER who is supposed to be obeying the law, being curtious, etc. To be fair, alot of the comments here are very valid. Truck owners DO NOT maintain their vehicles, and alot of truck drivers and taxi drivers ARE NOT DECENT ROAD USERS!!! Sorry if this offends you... maybe you're a better one.

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