This weekend, a shocking scene unfolded in a Phalaborwa mall parking lot when a side tipper interlink truck rolled over the pavement and slammed into parked cars, causing damage and leaving one person with minor injuries.
CCTV footage captured the truck rolling uncontrolled across the lot, reportedly due to a handbrake failure.
While some sources suggest the driver had forgotten to engage the handbrake, the exact cause wasn’t immediately confirmed.
This incident brings up an important point – handbrake-related accidents are preventable, yet they’re not uncommon in trucking.
In South Africa’s tough working conditions, drivers often work long hours, which leads to fatigue, and that’s when crucial details like the handbrake can slip through the cracks.
A simple oversight can result in serious damage, as we saw in this incident.
Watch: Unattended Truck Rolls, Crashes Into Wall Killing Man in Durban
Why Handbrake Mistakes Happen
Although mechanical handbrake failures do occur, they’re rare. More often, drivers forget to engage the brake, especially when making what they think will be a quick stop.
Fatigue plays a big role – after hours on the road, even a seasoned driver’s routine can falter.
Tips for Avoiding Costly Handbrake Mistakes
To help keep yourself and others safe, build these habits into your parking routine:
Make It Automatic: Always place your hand on the handbrake lever immediately after stopping. Make it a non-negotiable part of parking, every single time.
Use Reminders: A small reminder sticker on the dashboard or a tag by the door handle can reinforce the habit, especially when you’re tired and just want to grab a quick snack or stretch.
Check Twice, Leave Once: Before stepping out, especially after a long haul, give your cab a final check. When you’re tired, a double-check on the handbrake could save you a lot of trouble.
This recent incident in Phalaborwa is a costly reminder for all of us in the industry. Taking a moment to secure the handbrake isn’t just about protecting your load – it’s about keeping the road safe for everyone.
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