Heavy construction equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts, cannot be driven on public roads. As such, when this type of machinery needs to be transported from one location to another, a heavy haulage transport company is usually employed to handle this process. In most instances, large trucks with trailers are used to move heavy machinery of this kind.
A road accident involving a truck carrying an extremely heavy load is likely to result in serious injuries and multiple fatalities. As such, it is absolutely vital for those involved in the transportation of heavy construction equipment to prioritise safety.
Here are two ways that heavy haulage truck drivers can reduce the chances of an accident or injury occurring when they undertake this type of journey.
Choose the right route
It is important for the heavy haulage company who is handling the transportation process to select the most appropriate route.
In this situation, the shortest route is not necessarily the safest. Ideally, the truck driver should opt for a route which includes roads that are in excellent condition (even if doing so extends the length of the journey); this should reduce the likelihood of them driving over potholes and subsequently losing control of the vehicle.
The route should also be free from overpasses and low utility lines, as the height of most heavy construction equipment means that there is a good chance that the machinery will strike these obstructions when the truck attempts to drive past them. If this happens, it could lead to a vehicle pile-up or, in the case of power lines, to the driver of the truck being electrocuted.
Make sure the construction equipment is securely attached
Trucks with flatbed trailers are routinely used to transport heavy construction equipment. When this transportation method is being employed, it is vital for the driver to ensure that the construction equipment is securely attached to the trailer.
If is not, the equipment could fall off the trailer whilst it is in motion and hit a nearby road user. Due to the enormous weight of this type of machinery, the impact would probably result in a fatality.
High-quality metal chains should be used to tie down the machinery. The chain links should be inspected for breakages or corrosion before they are used for this purpose, as any damage of this kind could lead to the chain breaking off whilst the machinery is in transit.
Wedges or wheel chocks should also be placed underneath the equipment's tyres, to prevent them from turning. This should ensure that the equipment does not roll off the trailer, even if the aforementioned chains break.
