A driver of a 4X4 and trailer recently had a run in with An Garda Siochana in the midlands for towing a number of bales in an unsafe manner.
The driver was stopped by Gardai in Co. Offaly for unsecured bales, with four round bales of straw being held in place by a single strap.
Furthermore, the long wheelbase vehicle had another bale in the back, with no restraint, that was not on a flat surface.
The offending driver was issued with a Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) and a court date by Gardai.
Commenting on the case through the Garda Twitter page, a Garda representative said: “Offaly Roads Policing Unit stopped this vehicle for unsafe load.
“Vehicle had no tax, No DOE and driver was not wearing a safety belt. No safety chain/break away cable on trailer either.
Offaly Roads Policing Unit stopped this vehicle for unsafe load. Vehicle had no tax, No DOE and driver was not wearing a safety belt. No safety chain/break away cable on trailer either. Court proceedings commenced, FCN’s to be issued. Always transport goods safely. pic.twitter.com/QGtrhdqhbU
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) January 13, 2019
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“Court proceedings commenced, FCNs to be issued. Always transport goods safely.”
Safety paramount
Travelling with an unsecured load poses a number of risks for both the driver of the vehicle and other road users, according to the Road Safety Authority of Ireland (RSA).
- Loss of control of vehicle;
- Objects to fall on or hit people;
- Road obstruction or 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.