What You Should Know About Overloading!

Overloading

Overloading and defective tyres result in a large number of deaths and injuries on South African roads. In addition, overloading causes damage amount to millions of rands to the road network and to the overloaded vehicles.

Why is it Dangerous to Overload a Vehicle

Although many taxi and heavy-vehicle drivers and owners think that by overloading they can make more money, it is dangerous and will cost more in the long run:

• An overloaded vehicle will take longer to stop – making it dangerous, especially in an emergency.

• When a vehicle is overloaded, it is more difficult to handle and cannot accelerate as normal – making it dangerous to overtake.

• At night, the headlights of an overloaded vehicle will tilt up, blinding oncoming drivers to possible debris or obstructions on the roadway.
  
• An overloaded vehicle’s tyres flex and overheat, which could result in a tyre blow-out.

• Higher maintenance costs to the vehicle e.g. tyres, brakes, shock absorbers and higher fuel consumption.

Overloaded vehicles damage roads and may result in a heavy fine.

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