It is a fact that a fuel tanker has a very high safety standard and why can’t JPJ use even 50% of their guidelines for all trucks in Malaysia
We are seeing more and more trucks getting involved in FATAL accidents on our Malaysian roads.
Just days ago road safety activist Datuk Mohamad Hisham Shafe said the 1,457 deaths were linked to 3,500 lorry accidents nationwide over a six-year period and the number is rising.
Most accidents are caused by bad brakes, worn suspensions, bald re-thread tires which results is less traction, vehicle condition (we know the nonsense that happens during regular vehicle inspections) and also truck drivers on drugs.
Fatalities have hit the average Malaysian and so less is being done to ‘PUSH’ vehicle OWNERS to replace aging trucks, properly maintain their trucks and check on their drivers regularly. Yes, we have heard all the sad stories from lorry operators on high operating cost and hard to find reliable drivers.
However, non of the lorry operators seem to be suffering financially. The enforcement as we have been informed is lacking due to ……… ‘questionable practices’ and lets not forget the increase importation of sub-standard used trucks from overseas makes for little thought.
Meanwhile, it is well known fact that fuel tankers have high safety standards due to the inherent dangers of transporting flammable and potentially hazardous materials.
Why can’t we have similar standards (even just 50 percent of these standards) for all other heavy goods vehicle/ trucks/prime movers, etc?
The volatility, toxicity, and corrosiveness of hydrocarbons, along with the potential for fires, explosions, and environmental damage, necessitate strict regulations and safety measures.
Here’s a more detailed look at why safety on the road is very important:
1. Flammability and Explosiveness: Fuel is highly flammable, and even small sparks or static electricity can ignite it, leading to potentially catastrophic fires and explosions.
2. Environmental Impact: Tanker accidents can result in significant environmental pollution, impacting water sources, wildlife, and ecosystems.
3. Public Safety: Accidents involving fuel tankers can endanger the public, especially if they occur in populated areas or near sensitive infrastructure.
4. Design and Construction: Tankers are designed with features to minimize risks, internal bulkheads to separate fuel and robust construction to withstand impacts.
5. Regulations and Standards: Strict regulations and safety standards are in place to ensure safe handling, loading, unloading, and transport of fuel.
6. Continuous Improvement: Regulations and safety measures are constantly being revised and updated based on lessons learned from past accidents, as well as advancements in technology.
7. Training and Procedures: Drivers and crew members undergo rigorous training to ensure they are competent in handling fuel tankers and adhering to safe operating procedures.
In essence, the high safety standards for fuel tankers are a direct result of the potential for harm caused by the materials being transported, and the need to protect both the environment and the public.
