A tractor driver has received penalty points and a fine for towing an unsecured load of pallets on a trailer, as well as a long list of additional offences.
Gardai in Naas in Co. Kildare stopped the driver who was towing a trailer with a load of pallets that wasn’t secured properly.
The tractor and trailer were also travelling along the road without working sets of stop lights and indicators.
The tractor was also untaxed and no vehicle registration plates were visible at either the front or the rear of the tractor or trailer, according to the Gardai.
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Unsophisticated pallets in Naas – Gardaí stop Tractor – insecure Load/ no indicators/stop Lights/tax/ no reg plates front or rear pic.twitter.com/mEHc4SwgNL
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) May 9, 2017
Securing loads
Unsecured or improperly secured loads pose a serious safety risk and should always be secured so that they cannot move or fall from the vehicle, according to the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Travelling with an unsecured load poses a number of risks for both the driver of the vehicle and other road users, the RSA said.
- Loss of control of the vehicle.
- Objects to fall on or hit people.
- Road obstruction or a collision, where a driver is required to swerve to avoid fallen items.
- 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.
- The RSA insists that all loads must be secured even if the vehicle is only travelling a short distance or at low speeds.
The RSA has said that a load shall not be carried on a vehicle on a public road in such a manner that part of the load is liable to fall on the road.