A67 Under observation: Nine trucks stopped due to safety deficiencies!

A67 Under observation: Nine trucks stopped due to safety deficiencies!

As part of a large-scale inspection operation on the A67 near Pfungstadt on October 22nd, numerous trucks were checked for roadworthiness. Officials from the South Hesse traffic inspection, supported by emergency services from the surrounding federal states and the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility, focused on commercial freight and passenger transport. Large, heavy trucks and international transporters in particular were put to the test.

A total of 38 trucks were checked over an 8-hour period, with defects found in 26 vehicles. Nine trucks were prohibited from continuing their journey, which resulted in a withheld amount of 12,000 euros in security deposits. A particularly striking example was an Eastern European transporter that transported nine cars and exceeded the maximum values ​​of 4 meters high and 18.75 meters long. Part of the load had to be unloaded here and a fine of 3,500 euros was incurred.

Defects and safety deficiencies in trucks

Another vehicle, a vehicle transporter, also had to be stopped because the cars were poorly secured and the trailer drawbar was defective. Here too, further travel was prohibited and there is a risk of confiscation proceedings for 2,000 euros. A driver from the Groß-Gerau district had several safety deficiencies, including non-functioning lighting and inadequately secured load. In addition, in over 40 cases the driver forgot to insert his driver card.

Another team of drivers exceeded the maximum permitted height with their vehicle combination and safety defects were discovered in the trailer. Here too, a third-party driver card was used, which resulted in a security deposit of 5,500 euros. Last but not least, an emergency tire service had to be called for one of the affected teams before the journey could continue.

Safe trucks in transport

The result of these extensive checks shows how important regular vehicle checks are for the smooth transport of goods. Maintenance of trucks is essential to ensure roadworthiness and compliance with safety regulations. According to information from Michelin, trucks should not only be subjected to a safety inspection annually, as provided for in Section 29 StVZO, but also every six months. This applies in particular to trucks weighing 7.5 tonnes or more, which carry a high level of responsibility due to their size and the volume of transport.

• Inneninspektion: Zustand von Sicherheitsgurten, Anzeigen und Sicherheitsausrüstung überprüfen.
• Außeninspektion: Sichtbare Schäden sowie die Funktionsfähigkeit von Spiegeln und Lichtern kontrollieren.
• Mechanische Inspektion: Motor, Bremsen und Reifen müssen regelmäßig überprüft werden.

Failure to comply with these regulations can not only result in heavy fines, but can also lead to dangerous situations on the road. Safety on the roads is a top priority and companies need to ensure their fleets are in good working order. This focus on safety will be particularly relevant as new EU truck safety regulations will come into force from July 2024, which will include additional requirements for vehicle maintenance and inspection.

The tragedy of a recent accident in Darmstadt, in which a 93-year-old died after a collision with a tram, shows how quickly serious consequences can result from carelessness. The question therefore remains: How safe are our trucks really, and what can be done to further increase road safety?

The authorities have sent a signal with the latest controls: safety in transport is essential and it is necessary to emphasize the responsibility of both drivers and companies. Good vehicle maintenance pays off not only in terms of fines, but above all in terms of the safety of all road users.