Gardaí in the south of the country brought a truck to a halt earlier today (Friday, May 14th, 2021).
Kerry Road Policing Unit (RPU) was carrying out a checkpoint with the RSA when they made a stark discovery.
In a tweet, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána, said: “Truck found to have an unsecured load and a saw sticking out the side.”
“Whilst unintentional, this could have caused serious injury to a cyclist/ pedestrian #Roadsafety should always be a priority. Ensure load is secure before a journey. Kerry RPU checkpoint with @RSAIreland.”
Unsecured loads
The RSA warns that unsecured or inadequately secured loads pose a safety risk and could cause injury and even death.
Unsecured or inadequately secured loads, it highlighted, can shift when a vehicle is in motion and may cause:
- The loss of a vehicle’s control;
- Objects to fall on or hit people;
- Road obstruction or collision where a driver is required to swerve to avoid fallen items;
- Spillages that may cause vehicles to lose control.
Failure to secure loads properly may also result in financial losses due to damaged goods and vehicles, lost working time, clean-up costs and legal costs.
“Load security is not just the sole responsibility of the vehicle driver— employers, vehicle owners, drivers and loading and unloading staff all have a role to play in ensuring loads are secure.”
Securing loads
According to the RSA, different loads will require different methods of securing for example:
- Fastening straps;
- Chains;
- Adjustable brackets;
- Sliding slatboards;
- Use of dunnage;