Dashcam Debate: Did This Truck Driver Do Enough to Avoid the Crash?

A recent dashcam video making the rounds on social media has sparked debate among truckers and road users alike.

In the clip, a truck driver travelling at around 54km/h approaches slowing traffic ahead.

It looks like the driver tries to brake but the truck doesn’t slow down and eventually crashes into a bakkie which then gets sandwiched between the truck and another stationary truck.

Fortunately, the relatively low speed meant the car sustained only minor damage, and no injuries were reported.

But the video raises some important questions about the driver’s reaction — or lack thereof — to the unfolding situation.

The footage clearly shows the driver making no attempt to swerve away from the stationary car, even as it became evident the truck wasn’t going to stop in time. Instead, the truck continues in a straight line until the crash occurs.

Was This the Best Course of Action?

Some have argued that the driver might have been trying to minimise damage by staying straight.

Swerving at that speed, especially with a heavy load, could risk jackknifing the truck or hitting other vehicles.

But others question why the brakes didn’t seem to engage effectively or why the driver didn’t at least try to manoeuvre onto the shoulder or another escape route.

This situation highlights the critical role of defensive driving for truckers. Was this a case of a poorly maintained braking system, driver error, or simply an unavoidable scenario?

Watch | Dashcam Captures Ultimate Defensive Driving Fail as Trucker Collides with Cow

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Did the driver handle the situation as best as possible, or could a different approach have prevented the crash altogether? Please watch the video below and share your insights in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Let’s dive into this debate and learn from each other to make our roads safer.