JOHOR BARU: The recent tragedies involving trailers have reignited public concern, with many calling for tighter enforcement and monitoring of such vehicles.
They claimed to have witnessed instances where trailers carrying heavy loads were being driven recklessly and dangerously, especially at night.
Among them was businessman Tan Choo Oo, 62, who said he had seen trailers moving very fast despite transporting large and heavy containers.
“I believe this is a common thing many people have seen, especially at night and on highways.
“We have seen this too often, and it has become normalised. Many road users try their best to avoid getting too close to these vehicles.
“This has to stop. Instead of teaching young drivers to be cautious around trailers, we should remind lorry drivers to be careful when they are on the road,” he said.
He said the incidents in Penang and Johor, which had claimed the lives of two young people, should be a wake-up call for everyone, especially the authorities, to take matters more seriously.
Housewife Nur Adilah Kamaruddin, 35, called on trailer companies to do a better job to ensure the welfare of lorry drivers.
“This includes making sure the drivers have enough sleep.
“I am sure there are many good lorry drivers who are taking the necessary precautions to avoid putting anyone’s life at risk,” she said.
“However, some may be pressured to rush from one place to the other, while others may be overworked and lack sleep.
“These are all important things that should be taken into account by employers,” she added.
Nur Adilah said the public should also do their part and report to the authorities when they come across errant lorry drivers.
On Nov 15, a 33-year-old aerospace engineer who was riding a motorcycle was killed while a married couple who were in their car were injured after they were involved in a three-vehicle accident with a trailer.
The accident at KM69.5 of the North-South Expressway in Kluang, Johor, was believed to have happened when the driver lost control of the trailer and crashed into the divider of the highway.
This led the trailer, which was carrying containers of fertilisers, to overturn. It was then hit by the motorcycle and the car.
The accident occurred just two days after another incident involving a trailer in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, that resulted in the death of a 21-year-old woman and causing injury to a 25-year-old man.
The deceased, identified as Lee Zi Rou, was killed on the spot when the container being transported on a trailer toppled and crushed her car at a traffic light junction.
Several other vehicles were also damaged.
The injured victim, identified as Tan Chou Theng, 25, was rescued by passers-by before rescuers arrived at the scene.
