Historically, oil trucks were the nation’s epicentres for possible large-scale disasters, especially when trailers fall off the road and members of the public swam in action to steal the leftovers.
Unbeknownst to many, the oil truck driver's magnificent row house, which flaunts a small yet dainty lifestyle, is loaded with fuel on the inside and an outstanding description from the outside.
On the surface, this is a tidy, upscale community of drivers who work day and night to commute from the coastal shores to the suburbs of foreign nations, and are generously happy with their work.
Behind a truck driver is a superload of danger, that, when safely delivered, more often than not, turns into multi-million Shillings.
Descriptions
"The descriptions on oil trucks ensure that accidents are minimised, and cases of fuel mixtures are curtailed.
"The idea is to keep everyone safe while on the road, and when loading the fuel on and from the trucks," oil business expert, Pastor David Mbugua explained.
In response to the ever-present danger, fuel trucks must distinctively and conspicuously describe their content.
"A fuel truck has several compartments, including, petrol, diesel and paraffin sections. It's not a single unit carried," Mbugua explained.
On the truck from behind, you will most likely see a large capital letter T which many people do not understand its meaning.
"The letter T means the oil truck is in transit, covering long distances, possibly, from one country to another," Pastor Mbugua explained.
However, it does not end with the piece of information about the destination of the oil truck.
It also means that the oil truck complies with all local and trans-border transportation of goods moved across regional demarcations.
Thermal Protection Systems
As part of the requirement, oil trucks in transit are fitted with strong thermal protection systems and devices that release pressure in fire conditions.
All oil trucks carrying flammable goods must meet tougher, safer standards for carrying flammable material.
These trucks also have a flame sign printed in red and black on a white background, offering free advice to motorists that the vehicle is carrying highly flammable goods.
The trucks in transit face additional inspections to ascertain their stability, safety, and durability during transportation.
The triangular-shaped sign on fuel trucks warns that the vehicle could be slow-moving and easily cause an accident.
Popularly referred to as equilateral triangle shapes, they provide a classical warning to drivers to slow down as they approach.
"If a driver sees this sign displayed on the rear of a vehicle they are approaching, they should reduce their speed," Mbugua explained.
Mbugua further explained that some operators prefer an enclosed rear-style tank that protects the equipment from the elements.
