Haulier backing Highways England safety calls after runaway tyre smashes into HGV
Drivers urged to check vehicles before setting off
Haulier Barry Proctor who is urging drivers to carry out basic vehicle checks after one of his vehicles was hit by a stray wheel.
If that wheel had hit a car rather than one of my lorries we would be talking about a fatality today.
This is the stark warning of a leading haulier who is urging all drivers to check their vehicles before setting off on journeys after a runaway tyre smashed into one of his HGVs on the motorway.
Barry Proctor is backing the Highways England call for road users to make sure they carry out simple safety checks on their vehicles and loads before any journey, particularly as the easing of lockdown restrictions has seen the start of the staycation getaways.
The incident occurred while his vehicle was travelling on the M42 towards Kidderminster during a weekday morning.
Mr Proctor explained:
The runaway wheel suddenly appeared on the carriageway and as a vehicle swerved to avoid it, the wheel crashed into the front of our vehicle causing damage in excess of £2,500.
Fortunately Mr Proctor’s driver was not injured, but as he pointed out, if the wheel had collided with a car it could have resulted in a fatality.
Barry Proctor, who has operated Barry Proctor Services in Stoke-on-Trent for over 35 years, highlighted how important it is to carry out safety checks on vehicles and loads before any journey.
He said HGV drivers are required to carry out a recorded ten-minute walk around safety check, before every journey and vehicles are serviced at six weekly intervals. If the public were travelling on a plane, they would expect rigorous checks to be carried out before every flight and it should not be any different with a road journey.
And, as the Government eases the lockdown restrictions, the road networks will return to high levels of traffic and vehicles such as caravans and camper vans, which have been left standing for months, will return to our roads, he said.
Highways England Head of Road Safety, Richard Leonard, echoed Mr Proctor’s calls, saying:
We always want our roads to be as safe as possible and for everyone to enjoy summer safely – but drivers need to play their part to make that happen.
A brief ‘walk-around’ and carrying out a few simple safety checks before setting off on tyres, oil, water, lights and fuel could prevent a frustrating breakdown on the journey or something far more serious happening.
With many vehicles not having been used for many weeks during lockdown or even over the winter, it is crucial that drivers are confident their vehicles are safe and loads secure.
Figures recently released by Highways England have shown that more than 46,000 items were found on the nation’s motorways and major A roads over just 10 months with traffic officers having dealt with everything from a washing machine, sofa and king size mattress to a double-glazed door, garden sheds and a ship’s mast.
As well as checking loads are secure drivers are urged to:
Check tyres
Prior to setting off on a long/significant journey, check your tyre pressures are suitable for the load and the condition of your tyres, including the spare. Look out for cuts or wear and make sure the tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit .
Check engine oil
Use your dipstick to check oil regularly and before any long journey, and top up if needed. Take your car back to the garage if you’re topping up more than usual.
Check water
To ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen
Check lights
If your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself and your family at risk. In addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MoT
Check fuel:
Before setting out, check your fuel levels and make sure you have enough to get to your destination.
More tips, including ‘how to’ videos, are available online at the Think! road safety website.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.