Call for cargo trailer drivers to follow safety rules after fatal crashes in Malaysia

Negri Sembilan Truck Operators Association (NSLOA) treasurer Alvin Loke said containers transported by truck should be secured with a twistlock at each corner to ensure they do not slip or slide during hard braking or an accident.

However, he claimed that there were drivers who did not do this because the heavy load could cause their trucks to overturn on sharp bends or in accidents.

“Apparently these drivers do this to avoid being trapped in their cabs if their trailers fall on them. Some drivers secure containers with just two twist locks, while other times they don’t lock them at all.”

“Since the containers are not secured with rotating locks, the container slides off the wagon and falls onto the road, leaving the truck unaffected.

“But while a truck driver may believe this will keep him safe, it will endanger other drivers if the container falls and crushes other vehicles,” he said.

Mr Loke said NSLOA, which is affiliated with the Malaysian Trucking Federation (MTF), had advised its members to secure all locks on container trucks.

PSM Truck Drivers Association committee member Victor Pereira also claimed that there were cases where truck drivers carried containers that were not fully secured.

In addition to fearing for their safety in a crash, drivers fail to secure containers so they can unload them faster.

“Trailer drivers making short trips often do not bother to secure containers with twist locks, as these devices can sometimes jam during unloading.

“In such a case, the crane that lifts the container can also lift the trailer. It can take time to release a seized twistlock.

“So to avoid this inconvenience, drivers may choose not to secure the container with twist locks.

“In the case of larger containers, they may lock only two out of four locks, or eight locks. “This is dangerous,” he added.