Safety warning as lorry breakdowns increase
Owners are urged to check the safety of their vehicles before they travel
THE current situation is a
“perfect storm” for horsebox owners, according to one recovery provider, as huge numbers of lorries have been breaking down.
As competition has restarted after lockdown, PRP Rescue Services managing director Jon Phillips told H&H he has seen demand for recovery soar.
“It’s gone crazy,” he said. “It’s been like we normally see in spring, but with a vengeance; everyone’s been breaking down.”
Mr Phillips said people have been keen to get back out, and that some may have done so without carrying out the necessary safety checks on their vehicles.
“They’ve just jumped in the lorry and gone,” he said. “There have been silly things, like slightly flat tyres, or wiring that’s not wired up; unnecessary things a mechanic would have picked up in a look over the vehicle.”
Mr Phillips, who also leads the Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners said he understands vehicles’ idleness was unexpected, and then sport was restarted fairly quickly. But he urged owners to check vehicles thoroughly, or get them checked.
“Remember everything you do before you go out in the spring and please, please, do it again,” he said. “I’m sure readers have got back copies of H&H, or they can go on the website, or our website, for lists of what you need to check, or get your mechanic to.
“Also, remember to check floors and ramps; they’re the call-outs we hate the most.”
Mr Phillips said some breakdowns may be caused by issues that would have been picked up in an MOT, had these not been extended.
“It’s a perfect storm for the horsebox owner,” he said.
MOTs will be compulsory again as of 1 August, but drivers are reminded that with or without a certificate, it is their responsibility to ensure vehicles are safe and legal.
A DVSA spokesman told H&H: “The test is a once-a-year check that a vehicle is safe to drive. Drivers and operators still have responsibility to ensure vehicles are safe between tests.”
British Horse Society (BHS) director of safety Alan Hiscox said the BHS advises checks, on lorries, trailers and towing vehicles.
“We would also advise you take out quality breakdown cover specifically for equine recovery, or a rescue has the potential to be very expensive,” he told H&H.
In the event of a motorway breakdown, horses must stay in the vehicle, drivers are advised to wait on the embankment.
“Your safety, as well as that of your horse and other road users, is paramount, so wait for experts and do not attempt any repairs yourself,” Mr Hiscox said. “If your vehicle cannot be safely repaired at the roadside, a decision will be made by the highways authority or police as to the best action.”
The BHS has published a safety card titled “Are you sure it’s safe for me to travel?” For a copy, email safety@bhs.org.uk