Horror crash highlights need to jack up standards

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? This was the carnage after last week’s horror crash on the N12 East at the Reading interchange with the R59 in Alberton in which an 18-wheeler truck ploughed into around 50 cars on the highway as motorists were making their way to work during peak hour traffic. It’s brought the issue of truck maintenance, driver training and industry standards into sharp relief. CAPTION Pic of the crash Another horror smash, this time on the N12 in Johannesburg and involving an 18-wheel heavy rig and some 50 cars and other vehicles, and no clear indication yet what was the cause. Some press reports quote witnesses alleging the driver was speeding, while there is also a story doing the rounds that his brakes failed. But poor maintenance was an even stronger candidate, according to traffic officials on the scene. And the fact that another truck from the same company (Benusi Cargo Carriers) that caused the crash was taken off the road after Gauteng traffic authorities said the truck was found to be unroadworthy, added more grist to the poor maintenance mill. Police are now investigating the truck company following the second incident. However, minister of transport Dipuo Peters seemed to have plumped for the driver error cause. Her statement was that truck driving schools should up their standards for training. But she also came up with the rather odd remedy of banning trucks from the roads before 09:00 hours. Just how feasible is this? Kevin Martin, chairman of the Durban Harbour Carriers’ Association (DHCA), was unimpressed. “First of all, if she is implying that they shouldn’t be on the roads during rush hour then I’d have to ask why? Trucks are just travelling at the same speed as cars in peak hours. And that, in Johannesburg, is dead slow and stop. “We support the idea of trucks facing a peak-hour ban at notoriously dangerous hills – like Fields Hill in Pinetown and Town Hill in Pietermaritzburg – but in peak hours generally, not on. “The market dictates the movement of trucks, and you can’t take away any time out of there.” What about fleet owners ensuring their drivers are properly trained? “Don’t leave it all to the transporters,” Martin said. “The reputable companies are doing this anyway as a matter of safety and cost-efficiency. And the disreputable are indulging in any cost cutting they can get away with just to keep their cash flow going.” He is adamant that the answer is in the hands of the authorities. “It should be compulsory that drivers go for a refresher course at regular intervals,” Martin said. “The examiner should monitor all the driver faults, and use these to correct the bad habits.” He also recommends special courses, like defensive and advanced driving. “The driver is your critical component,” he said. “Driver technique is vital.” INSERT & CAPTION The market dictates the movement of trucks, and you can’t take away any time out of there. – Kevin Martin