Bridge Strike at Machynlleth (01/09)

[61653 HTAFC]

I think that you need to appreciate the concept of 'drive on sight'. It's actually quite standard.

I agree... but that also means that you stop short of any obstruction. If a diversion is in place that involves a low bridge and your vehicle is too tall for it, then it's up to you to find an alternative route that you can fit down. Drivers of large vehicles are usually professionals after all.

If an emergency closure means that vehicles are sent along an inappropriate route, then that is a problem and there maybe needs to be a system in place that prevents this happening. But ultimately it is the driver's responsibility to stop before any obstruction.

 

[Bikeman78]

I'd disagree with that - given the large numbers of trucks on the road, and the low number of bridge strikes, I'd say that a huge percentage of drivers are driving correctly and within the laws and regulations

Though plenty seem to think that tailgating on motorways is perfectly acceptable, mainly through roadworks with a speed restriction. An HGV at 50 mph takes in the region of 200 feet to stop. I've had plenty so close behind that I can't even see the number plate in my rear view mirror.

 

[Robertj21a]

Though plenty seem to think that tailgating on motorways is perfectly acceptable, mainly through roadworks with a speed restriction. An HGV at 50 mph takes in the region of 200 feet to stop. I've had plenty so close behind that I can't even see the number plate in my rear view mirror.

Aren't we now getting a bit away from a bridge at Machynlleth......?

 

[Falcon1200]

I think that you need to appreciate the concept of 'drive on sight'. It's actually quite standard.

Except that 'drive on sight' did not prevent over 1700 bridge strikes on Network Rail in 2019, suggesting that perhaps additional measures would be beneficial, for all concerned.

 

[Bikeman78]

Aren't we now getting a bit away from a bridge at Machynlleth......?

Merely pointing out that lots of lorry drivers aren't as professional as they are meant to be. Thus it's no surprise that there are so many bridge bashes.

 

[krus_aragon]

Aren't we now getting a bit away from a bridge at Machynlleth......?

At least 70 miles away...

 

[Deafdoggie]

Though plenty seem to think that tailgating on motorways is perfectly acceptable, mainly through roadworks with a speed restriction. An HGV at 50 mph takes in the region of 200 feet to stop. I've had plenty so close behind that I can't even see the number plate in my rear view mirror.

They'll be able to see the road in front of you is clear and you have no reason to stop. Part of their training is to maintain a steady constant speed and avoid unnecessary braking, so they'll gently ease off instead.

 

[yorkie]

Just a gentle reminder of the topic of this thread, which is the bridge strike at Machynlleth.

 

[js1000]

A tipper truck has hit a bridge in Machynlleth. Buses are running between Newtown and Aberystwyth/ Tywyn.
This is the second bridge strike in the area in the last fortnight.

More pics are on the Daily Post site - https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/live-a487-shut-trains-disrupted-21452079

As "accidental" bridge strikes go, what an creative effort by the driver. 10/10

 

[Meole]

This was a freak accident rather than an error in assessing the height, the vehicle would pass under the bridge without an issue in its standard driving position, unfortunately some drivers set off with their tipper still descending to save time and get on with their next load.

 

[LSWR Cavalier]

This was a freak accident rather than an error in assessing the height, the vehicle would pass under the bridge without an issue in its standard driving position, unfortunately some drivers set off with their tipper still descending to save time and get on with their next load.

The vehicles need an interlock so they cannot move until the tipper is right down and fastened. Not a freak accident, they doubtless do it every day as you mention.

 

[Meole]

The vehicles need an interlock so they cannot move until the tipper is right down and fastened. Not a freak accident, they doubtless do it every day as you mention.

Industry is against such interlock device as it would inhibit fast turnaround on non public sites i.e. quarries and civil engineering projects.

 

[Ediswan]

The vehicles need an interlock so they cannot move until the tipper is right down and fastened. Not a freak accident, they doubtless do it every day as you mention.

I'm fairly sure I have seen them tipping while moving in order to spread out the load.

 

[Bikeman78]

They'll be able to see the road in front of you is clear and you have no reason to stop. Part of their training is to maintain a steady constant speed and avoid unnecessary braking, so they'll gently ease off instead.

See reply here: Lorries tailgating | RailUK Forums (railforums.co.uk)

 

[DelW]

The vehicles need an interlock so they cannot move until the tipper is right down and fastened. Not a freak accident, they doubtless do it every day as you mention.

I'm fairly sure I have seen them tipping while moving in order to spread out the load.

For anything other than small (4 wheel) tippers, it's necessary to move forward with the body raised to empty it. The load is usually too large a volume to deposit in a single heap.

Of course that should be done at very low speed, so a speed-sensitive interlock would still be possible.

 

[1955LR]

For anything other than small (4 wheel) tippers, it's necessary to move forward with the body raised to empty it. The load is usually too large a volume to deposit in a single heap.

Of course that should be done at very low speed, so a speed-sensitive interlock would still be possible.

Tippers used when Tarmac laying , reverse whilst tipping into the hopper that is continually moving especially on long runs like Motorways, but it is part of the job. A speed interlock sounds a good idea.