Concerns Raised Over Truck With Protruding Steel Bars on the Road

A photo of a truck on the road with protruding steel bars on May 31, 2023
A photo of a truck on the road with protruding steel bars on May 31, 2023
Photo
Sikika Road Safety

A photo of a lorry carrying poorly packaged steel bars went viral, on Thursday, June 1, with many wondering how it was allowed to access the roads.

The steel bars could seemingly not fit in the vehicle forcing the tailgate of the vehicle to remain open.

"NTSA, please apprehend the owner of this lorry. This is endangering the lives of other motorists," one person noted.

"It is a death trap and a disaster waiting to happen. The lorry or the driver has no problem. It is the law enforcement officers who allow them to operate on the roads," another lamented.

A photo of a truck on the road with protruding steel bars on May 31, 2023
A photo of a truck on the road with protruding steel bars on May 31, 2023
Photo
Sikika Road Safety

Meanwhile, motorists cautioned each other to maintain a distance from the truck to avoid a disaster. They also advised drivers to avoid overloading steel bars that endanger other road users. 

However, some argued that the driver did not commit any crime by loading the bars, with some sticking out.

"It is not dangerous at all, the law says you should keep a distance of at least 100 metres," one stated.

"This is safe; just keep your distance. In this case, the recommended distance is three kilometres," another added. 

Others argued that the driver tied red clothing to warn road users. 

The picture revived old memories as some likened it to a thriller blockbuster movie, where such a truck led to several deaths.

In January 2023, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) listed tough penalties for drivers with overloaded trucks. 

KeNHA complained that the drivers were responsible for the damages witnessed on roads which includes potholes.

The authority warned that the truck drivers risked three years of imprisonment if found overloading. Consequently, the road agency partnered with the police and other relevant authorities to apprehend the culprits.

Engineer Kennedy Ndugire in charge of Axle Load Control explained that lorries with more than 20 tonnes will be fined Ksh5.6 million. In comparison, those who overload by 31.5 tonnes were to attract a fine of Ksh49.9 million under the East African Community Load Control Regulations.

Transit trucks at a border in Kenya's Namanga boarder.
A photo of transit trucks at a border in Kenya's Namanga border.
Photo
KENHA
  • .