Don't fatten your vehicle's body by overload
Goods Carriers and People

    Thus, transportation of goods through roads becomes indispensable. There are still several places in the country which are not accessible to railways where transportation up to the final destination is completely dependent on roadways. In these circumstances, the role of goods carriers is important in our country. But, very often, we come across news in print and electronic media informing about accidents involving goods carriers. It is a very common scene on highways. In cities, we see accidents of goods carrier vehicles causing heavy loss of property and priceless lives. There are various kinds of goods carriers, from three wheelers to long chassis trucks. Following a few safety norms, they can ensure the safety of goods and lives. The small vehicles should take extra care while around these goods carriers.

The drivers of goods carriers can minimize the causes of accident if they take certain precautions. Before starting their journey such drivers must :
 

Three wheeler goods carriers are mostly found in the cities. these carriers cater mostly to the needs of short distance goods transportation in cities. On the roads, their drivers :

 Light Goods Carriers

Light goods Carriers cater to the needs of local transport but sometimes they are also used on long routes as well. In rural areas too these vehicles are used for transportation of goods. On the roads their drivers :

Should not indulge in red light or traffic signal violation. They must honour all the traffic signals and traffic lights.

Must not load beyond the capacity of their vehicles since it puts extra load on the steering making it difficult to handle for the driver.

Must stick to their lane and should not indulge in zigzag driving. Lane must be changed only when overtaking or right turn is necessary and that too in lane changing zones and after proper indications.

Must maintain proper distance from other vehicles for proper and timely braking.

Must not drive if they are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, frustration, stress or anxiety. These affect the driving skills adversely causing accidents.

Must not indulge in over speeding and drive within the prescribed speed limit.

Heavy Goods Carriers

Truck, both of long and short chassis, act as the most important goods carriers in our country. But, very often, trucks are found indulged in accidents, mostly due to negligence of the drivers. Therefore, the truck drivers :

Should never load beyond the capacity of the truck to prevent extra load on the engine, body, tyres and the driver and a possible accident.

Should obey the traffic norms.

Must stop at all checking and octroi points and never cross them without proper checking.

Must not use pressure or musical horns, especially in cities.

Must stick to their lanes and change the lone only when overtaking or right turn is needed. This should be done in lane changing zones, with proper indications.

Should never indulge in over speeding and maintain a suitable distance from other vehicles.

Should cover their material, whatever is loaded, properly before coming to the road and never drive uncovered.

Should never drive under the influence of intoxication, anxiety or frustration.

Put a red cloth during days and red light during nights if longer roads or goods are loaded on the truck.

Should not enter the city during no entry timing.

If vehicles breakdown in the centre of road then they should surround the area around it with red flag during day and red light during night.

You should travel in convoy on highways as there are chances of road hold up.

You should slow down at kerbs as it is not possible to brake immediately; emergency brakes can lead to loss of balance that may overturn the vehicle.

Hazardous Goods Carriers

Besides general goods carriers there are some special carriers to carry hazardous goods. Such carriers transport petroleum gases or other inflammable or explosive materials. Drivers of such vehicles should take special precautions while on the roads. The drivers of such vehicles :

Must drive only during nights since chances of catching fire are more during day time.

Should not be fast while driving at night and use dippers at night to see and be seen properly.

Should never smoke on or near the vehicles and never park their vehicles near fire.

Never indulge in over loading, over speeding and zigzag driving. They should stick to their lane and change the lane only to overtake or for right turn.

Should not indulge in red light or traffic signal violations.

Should check that petroleum, chemicals or gas materials loaded on their vehicles do not leak.

Bulldozers and Cranes

Bulldozers and cranes are very rarely seen on the roads but while on the road they should take special precautions to ensure flow of other vehicles. The drivers of such vehicles :

Should never overtake any vehicle and change the lane only when a right turn is necessary.

Should avoid driving during days and should move only during nights.

Should never drive under the influence of liquor, drugs, stress, tiredness, anxiety or frustration.

Tractors and Trailers

Being slow moving vehicles, tractors and trailers should follow certain road safety norms for smooth traffic on roads. Their drivers :

Should always drive in left lane and change the lane only if a right turn is necessary. This should be done after the road behind is clear and with proper indication.

Should never load beyond the capacity to maintain the balance of the vehicle.

Should respect all the traffic signals and traffic lights.