Gardaí in Cahir, Co Tipperary, stopped a tractor hauling bales on Sunday as a result of the bales not being secured.

Gardaí have warned tractor drivers hauling bales to ensure that they are tightly secured.

“Community policing unit in Cahir came across this unsecured load. Tractor drivers hauling bales, please ensure that they are tightly secured.

“In the event of having to brake in an emergency the consequences could be tragic,” gardaí said.

Securing loads

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has said that unsecured or inadequately secured loads pose a safety risk and could cause injury and even death.

Unsecured or inadequately secured loads can shift when a vehicle is in motion and may cause:

  • Loss of control of vehicle.
  • Objects to fall on or hit people.
  • Road obstruction or collision where a driver is required to swerve to avoid fallen items.
  • Spillages that may cause vehicles to lose control.

    • The RSA warned that failure to secure loads properly may also result in financial losses due to damaged goods and vehicles, lost working time, clean-up costs and legal costs.

    “Loads must be secured even if the vehicle is only travelling a short distance or at low speeds,” it advised.

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