Trucker charged for driving 40-ton HGV on narrow bridge with 16-ton limit
No matter how many warning signs there are, there are seemingly still a few drivers who ignore them and say to themselves “hold my beer" before attempting a crossing evidently unfit for their vehicle. This turned out to be the case in France last week, and although the incident didn't end in tragedy, the trucker will still face consequences after being prosecuted for endangering the lives of others.
The incident happened last week at the Touzac suspension bridge in France. If it wasn’t already obvious from the image above, the photo below shows the bridge is clearly unsuitable for a heavy truck.
The driver of a 40-ton HGV nonetheless ignored the 16-ton warning signs that were placed four times before the entrance of the village, as well as the clearly visible road sign right next to the bridge itself.
Photo: laumra / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
Amazingly, the driver opted to give it a go anyway. As you’d expect – it didn’t end well – he got stuck and thus couldn’t make it across the river.
He then decided to back up – not the easiest of maneuvers given how narrow the bridge is. Unfortunately, his actions damaged the bridge, which has now had to be closed off indefinitely until an assessment and repairs are carried out.
Meanwhile, the truck driver is to be prosecuted for endangering the lives of others.