A side tipper truck driver from Savuti Transport is likely to lose his job after he was filmed driving recklessly on the N2 at Hluhluwe on Saturday afternoon.
The driver is accused of endangering other motorists by overtaking in front of oncoming traffic and overtaking on a solid barrier line.
Videos of his truck overtaking in front of oncoming traffic were shared on social media before they quickly found their way to his managers at Savuti Transport.
Concerned motorists using the N2 route between Richards Bay and Ermelo took it upon themselves to expose bad driving by truck drivers following the horrific crash in Pongola last month.
Several WhatsApp groups were formed to share information on road safety and monitoring reckless driving on the N2.
On Saturday around 14h29, one such motorist filmed a truck as it overtook other trucks forcing oncoming cars onto the emergency lane.
At one time, a truck that is being overtaken, on a solid barrier lane, is forced to swerve onto the emergency lane to ensure that the offending trucker passes without an incident.
On the opposite side of the highway, a light motor vehicle also shifts to the emergency lane to avoid colliding with the truck.
When videos of the reckless were shared on WhatsApp groups, the Pongola community lay in wait for the truck and it was stopped.
The owners of the truck were notified and agreed to have the truck parked off at a truck stop in Pongola.
This Sunday morning, the company management arrived at the truck stop and immediately removed the driver from the truck and his supervisor took away the truck.
“Thank you for the information and videos, the driver will be suspended immediately pending his hearing,” a company representative reported on the group.
Commenting after side tipper trucks were allowed back onto the N2 in Pongola, a motorist in the group commented, “I drove from Hluhluwe to Richards Bay today… Death is back on the road, we’re just waiting for the news report.”
Truck drivers have often ignore their wrongdoing when filmed by other motorists, instead they focus on the behaviour of the one filming accusing them of dangerous driving.
SA Trucker urges fellow truckers to focus on their job at all times and always be wary of other motorists capturing their misdemeanours. If you follow all the driving rules you won’t need to know who watching you and ultimately everyone will be safe.
