LETTERS: A tragic accident occurred on Nov 13 in Bukit Mertajam, Penang in which a young woman was killed when a container detached from a trailer and fell onto her car.
We sympathise with her family for their loss.
Some of the most common reasons a lorry or trailer will overturn include speeding, being distracted while driving, adverse weather, improper loads and inadequate vehicle maintenance.
Lorries and trailers are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, so they require more time and distance to stop. As such, speeding through a turn can easily cause it to tip over.
Also, when a driver is distracted, he may take longer to react to unexpected road conditions, such as a sharp curve or an obstacle on the road. This can make it harder for the trailer or lorry driver to control the vehicle and prevent a rollover accident.
Additionally, failing to adjust for adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain can make it harder for drivers to maintain control of their heavy vehicles and avoid overturning.
When it comes to improper loads, when a heavy vehicle is carrying a container loaded with cargo, the weight is often concentrated in the front, making the vehicle heavier. As a result, these loads need to be properly balanced and secured so they do not move while the vehicle is in motion.
Properly loading goods can help ensure that the weight is distributed evenly and that the vehicle is stable on the road, reducing the risk of a rollover accident.
Adequate vehicle maintenance is equally important. Proper maintenance of vehicles is crucial for avoiding overturns.
Tyre blowouts, brake failure, faulty suspension systems, worn-out steering components and improper tyre tread can all cause a rollover accident.
Big 18-wheelers, semi-trucks and tractor-trailers are huge vehicles compared with regular passenger cars, pick-up trucks and SUVs, which is one reason accidents involving heavy vehicles are extremely dangerous.
In addition, because of their design, lorries and trailers are more likely to roll over, especially if the driver is driving recklessly or negligently. Such vehicles have a much higher centre of gravity than passenger vehicles, making them more prone to tipping over. That means the margin for error for the driver is much smaller.
Taking into account the factors that contribute to the possible overturning of heavy commercial vehicles, we must always be extra careful when driving near them while on the highway.
WONG SOO KAN
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times