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20th October 1978, Page 30

20th October 1978

Page 30

Page 30, 20th October 1978 — figu butiithig

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Keywords : Brakes, Railway Brake, Truck

6tvt police

1,76i1e going to work recently, a OAF 2800 truck jack-knifed when a car pulled up in front of it; this was on the notorious A423 Oxford to Northampton Road. The driver missed going over a 60ft railway embankment by a mere 3ft. It was early morning and the traffic flow had not reached its rush-hour peak.

I stopped and explained that our firm's recovery team could handle the situation, and advised him on the wisdom of calling the police to control the traffic. When we both arrived back at the scene after making the necessary telephone calls, we were horrified to find a local 'crash extractor'' merchant hooking up to the back of the trailer, hoping to drag it back to his place. The policeman who arrived was far from helpful, and warned the DAF driver that if a vehicle hit his rig he would be found liable.

After a few thoughtful and very discouraging words from the driver and myself, the "crash extraction" wizard revved off, leaving the outfit still luckily in one piece with a very irate policeman. Soon the lads arrived and the DAF was taken away and given a very thorough once-over. The trailer brakes would not register 15 per cent on any of the two axles on any wheel, but this was soon rectified.

The moral is -More training for police on heavies" and "spring brakes need air" and checks at docks before a UK rig goes abroad,

NIGEL ASTELL, Green woods Commercial Vehicles Ltd, Oxford

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