On South African roads, 6-7 out of 10 trucks are unroadworthy!
IOL has reported on testing that has been conducted by specialist truck magazine Fleetwatch and the provincial governments whereby multiple times a year, since 2006, heavy-vehicle testing has been conducted. The results are frightening!
For every 10 heavy trucks on our roads, between six and seven of them are unroadworthy. Brake and Tyre Watch has held 30 test days at various vehicle-testing stations across the country over the past nine years. Trucks are randomly pulled off the road and undergo rigorous inspections. According to IOL, the tests are designed to raise awareness for heavy-truck operators around the subject of brakes, tyres, lights, overloading and general maintenance in safety critical components.
Terrifyingly, there are only around seven major trucking companies which faithfully maintain their fleet, but thousands of small to medium sized operators are skipping scheduled services according to Fleetwatch editor, Patrick O’Leary. These “Big Seven” as he calls them represent around 30 000 trucks out of a rough total of 300 000 on our roads right now.
This testing operation is also held to empower traffic officials with the skills to dig deeper in to the inner workings of a truck. Owners of trucks can either choose to fix the problems on site, be towed away or in some cases drive 30km/h to the nearest repair facility.
Jessa Adams, a reporter for Star Motoring, attended the Brake & Tyre Watch test day which took place at the Langlaagte Vehicle Testing Station in Johannesburg last week and, of the 15 trucks stopped 11 were deemed unroadworthy. He spoke to a Roodepoort-based cop, who said he couldn’t wait to get back on his beat to use his new knowledge. “Most truck drivers know that we (metro cops) aren’t all that clued up on trucking, and use it to their advantage,” he said. “Now I know what to look for, and if their brakes are not working I’m not letting them go.”
Adams found out even more shocking news:
“I also got a chance to speak to some truck drivers and was surprised with some of their reactions to the roadblock. Most were concerned with how long the inspections would take, as delays can sometimes mean pay penalties, but others showed signs of relief. One in particular seemed quite happy that his truck was impounded for non-functional brakes.
“The owner of my truck knows the brakes don’t work nicely,” he said. “But I cannot say anything. If I complain, he just pays someone else to drive it. My hands are tied. I need the money.”
Another driver, whose truck was clearly unroadworthy, was adamant that it was in proper working order.
He was en route to Zimbabwe from Krugersdorp, and said if his load wasn’t delivered by the following morning he’d be docked pay.”
Before you head out on your holiday roadtrips this festive season, be sure to read this article on sharing the road with trucks!
Source: IOL Motoring