CHECK the loads of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) are secured and any freight correctly stored – or risk ruining more than one life forever.
That's the message this week from Northumbria Police's Operation Dragoon team as they support a national road safety campaign led by the National Police Chief's Council (NPCC).
Along with reminding HGV drivers to check loads are secure, Commercial Vehicle Week involves officers stopping cars to promote the importance of performing regular vehicle checks, ensuring tyres are safe and legal, and brakes, lights and water are in working order.
Sergeant Glen Robson is overseeing the week of action. He said: "We will be taking enforcement action when there is a clear breach of the law, or if a driver is recklessly putting lives in danger through the condition of their vehicle."
Check tyres, brakes, oil, lights and water levels before each journey. Items capable of being thrown from or bouncing out of a vehicle must be secured.
Drivers are reminded to adhere to speed restrictions in place for their vehicle.
"If you get behind the wheel of a HGV or a car and have not checked that your vehicle is in a good working condition, you are potentially putting lives in danger.
"We all have a responsibility to make our roads as safe as they possibly can be – and ultimately reduce the risk of a serious or even fatal collision that destroys families and lives forever," Sgt. Robson said.
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