Last Thursday, road inspectors intercepted a truck at the Deauville checkpoint in Estrie. This heavy-duty vehicle carried a milk tanker and weighed a staggering 70,850 kg. This exceeded the maximum allowable weight of 45,000 kg for such vehicles during the thaw period, as reported by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).
Incident Overview
The transport company received a significant fine of $4,200 for operating with excessive loads beyond the limits of its special permit. The situation was exacerbated by the fact that the tanker was so full that milk spilled from the top throughout the journey, posing a safety risk to both the environment and road users.
Additional Penalties and Vehicle Inspection
- The transport company faced an additional fine of $1,218 due to this violation.
- A mechanical inspection revealed a severe defect in the vehicle, with cracks located around the coupling plate of the tanker.
- The truck was immediately taken out of service until it met compliance standards.
Impact of Overloaded Trucks
The SAAQ emphasized the dangers associated with overloaded vehicles during thaw periods. Roads are 30% to 70% more vulnerable during this time. Even a single overloaded truck can cause extensive road damage.
Moreover, safety is compromised with overloaded heavy vehicles. Their braking distances, handling, and stability are negatively affected, creating significant hazards on the road.
