Why Overloaded Road & Rail Vehicles’ Are Dangerous And How To Avoid Them?

When we travel by road or rail, there are a lot of different risks that come along. Whether it is a vehicle carrying people, equipment or products the risk is universal.

However, risk handling can differ depending on what, or who you are carrying. Vehicles that carry people, such as public transport buses and trains are much more fit to carry people, rather than cargo of any kind. They are also less likely to be overloaded and therefore decrease their risk of an accident.

One of the most common reasons for accidents in road and rail vehicles that are carrying equipment or cargo of any kind, is overloading & unbalanced loads. While to some, overloading a vehicle might seem like a way to make more profit every time you are transporting goods, the risks here outweigh the benefits.

Overloading vehicles can cause accidents and derailment, leading to damaged road and rail infrastructure or even injuring a person and other property: it may seem as though it is not something for concern, but it definitely is. Not only could it cost millions to repair the infrastructure, but you would also damage the actual vehicle, which is a massive loss for the business owner, or you could risk someone else’s life.

If you do overload and don’t get into an accident or damage the vehicle, overloading can still carry a hefty fine and legal action, if your vehicle carrying goods gets pulled over to have their weight limit checked. Overloading is both a safety and cost concern.

Preventing Vehicle Overload
Preventing overloading may not sound too difficult, but it requires more than just a team meeting. When you run a logistics, rail or mining company, yourself and the drivers are not the only people that are involved with loading. Various departments are engaged equally to prevent overloading, it is something that needs to be organisation wide. When they know the accurate weight & balance of the load and vehicle, there are fewer chances of overloading. Everyone should also know about the vehicle’s permitted axle weight and gross vehicle weight.

Is it also essential to know the laws surrounding overloading, including the dimensions of loads a vehicle can carry and the maximum length, height, and width. Also, the load should be secured appropriately, because you will have to pay a fine if the load falls off the truck or train, or if the load is considered to be in a condition that could result in falling.

Weighbridges to the Rescue
One of the best ways to avoid hazards caused by a vehicle overloading is weighing them before getting them onto the road. The right weighbridge can help you to determine if your vehicle is overloaded or not.

Modern weighbridges are fast and accurate and can deliver your businesses essential weighing information before any of your vehicles hit the road. You might be wondering where you can purchase the best and most accurate weighbridges, and the answer is Trakblaze.

Trakblaze is a leading manufacturer of weighbridges for the road, rail, mining, and aviation industries. They offer both static and portable weighing systems for all areas. If you are looking for a weighbridge, get in touch with Trakblaze, with 90 years of experience, they will be able to offer you the best in the business.