A video from a truck involved in the deadly pile-up on the N2 between Ermelo and Piet Retief has emerged online, shedding light on possible causes of the tragic accident. While multiple factors contributed to the crash, the footage highlights critical mistakes made by at least two truck drivers who failed to adopt defensive driving practices.
As truckers, we often talk about the importance of following the rules, but true professionalism on the road goes beyond just adhering to traffic laws. A professional truck driver anticipates danger, drives for the safety of everyone on the road, and treats rules as the baseline, not the end goal.
In the footage, the driver of the truck with the dashcam reportedly blames a taxi for braking sharply in front of him, allegedly triggering the chain reaction. However, a closer look at the video paints a different picture.
The truck was travelling at 72 km/h on a wet road, and it was clear there was a developing hazard, with brake lights and hazard lights visible on multiple vehicles ahead. This should have been a clear signal to the driver to signal to the vehicles behind about the potential danger and reduce speed immediately.
Instead, the truck maintains its speed for about five seconds. When the driver finally brakes, there’s a sharp deceleration – from 72 km/h to 7 km/h in just seven seconds.
On a wet road, this abrupt reduction left little room for the vehicles behind to react, leading to a devastating chain collision.
The following truck was also at fault for not maintaining a safe following distance, which compounded the impact.
Key Lessons from the Crash
Adjust Your Speed to Match Road Conditions
Wet roads reduce tyre grip and increase stopping distances significantly. Driving at a “legal” speed doesn’t guarantee safety in poor conditions. It’s critical to drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely in an emergency. While the driver in the video may not have been legally in the wrong, as professional drivers, we must drive to live and ensure the safety of those around us. There was a clear failure of defensive driving here.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Your following distance is your safety buffer. In wet conditions, double or even triple your usual following gap to ensure enough time to react if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly. This was evident in the chain of rear-end collisions that occurred. If you can’t see the vehicle ahead of the one you’re following, be cautious. If they stop abruptly, and the vehicle ahead of you doesn’t warn you, you could rear-end them.
Read | Dashcam Captures Ultimate Defensive Driving Fail as Trucker Collides with Cow
A Call for Defensive Driving
Tragedies like this, are a stark reminder that defensive driving is not optional – it’s essential for survival on the road. Professional drivers must think beyond their own vehicles, anticipating the movements of others and proactively avoiding dangerous situations.
SA Trucker urges the government to make it mandatory for all commercial drivers to hold a defensive driving certificate. This would ensure that every driver understands the principles of road safety and is trained to handle emergencies effectively. The government could take inspiration from major fleet operators like Manline, Unitrans, and others, who prioritise driver training and safety.
These companies not only equip their drivers with advanced defensive driving skills but also strictly monitor work hours to prevent fatigue. The results speak for themselves – they’re not involved in as many avoidable crashes compared to fleets that don’t invest in driver training.
By implementing similar policies nationwide, the government could significantly enhance road safety. Ensuring that every driver adheres to the same high standards of training and safety could drastically reduce preventable accidents.
Let’s honour the lives lost by advocating for better practices and supporting policies that make our roads safer for all. Watch the dashcam video below:
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