SHAH ALAM - Lack of experience and improper handling of heavy vehicles are significant factors behind frequent roadside breakdowns and accidents involving lorries and trailers.
Terengganu Timber Lorry Association chairman Ibrahim Mamat said many young drivers possessed basic driving skills but lacked knowledge about vehicle maintenance and safety measures.
He noted that modern lorries, being equipped with advanced features like air conditioning and radios, often contribute to driver complacency.
"When drivers close their windows, turn on the air conditioning and play loud music, they become oblivious to critical warning signs such as tyre blowouts or brake malfunctions.
"Tyres are different nowadays. If they burst, there is no loud sound and drivers may not even notice it.
"Then they drive the lorry fast as if they are driving a car and the emergency brakes do not work. This causes accidents, especially when the heavy load exceeds the lorry’s capacity.
"Even experienced drivers like me, who have decades of experience, always drive with the windows open to hear and smell any signs of lorry damage. This can significantly reduce accident risks," he said.
Despite receiving no complaints regarding lorry maintenance filed with the association, Ibrahim said all lorries must undergo inspections at Puspakom every six months.
These inspections, he said ensured that tyres, brakes, gears and other critical components were thoroughly checked.
However, he highlighted the issue of drivers parking carelessly by the roadside, attributing it to lack of awareness about safety.
He said many incidents involving lorries stopping recklessly stemmed from drivers' limited understanding of the risks, such as parking on soft ground or roadside verges, which can result in sinkholes.
Ibrahim also acknowledged that financial constraints often pushed lorry drivers to overload their vehicles, further compounding the problem.
"They are forced to carry extra loads beyond specifications because the fares do not match rising fuel costs. It is simply not worth it and we are suffering significant losses," he added.