KOZHIKODE: Thamarassery and nearby areas in the district have been witnessing increased accidents caused by tipper lorries in the last few weeks.
Overspeeding and rash and negligent driving is mainly to blame for the mishaps caused by tipper lorries. But, one another reason for the rise in the number of accidents caused by tipper lorries, particularly on non-rainy days, is said to be the fact that the drivers do not cover the loaded lorries and the earth or sand carried by them spill out posing risk to other road users such as pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles that come their way.
"Tipper lorries, which mostly carry sand and earth required for building construction, flout rules and this has led to an increase in accidents reported from the area," said Abdul Majeed K K, a resident of Thamarassery. "The drivers do not cover the load and hence the earth and sand spill out to the road. Other vehicle users, particularly two-wheeler riders, moving behind these lorries loss balance and fell on the road. The sand gets into the eyes, causing irritation and temperorily blocking vision," he said.
Last week, five accidents were reported this way on a single day between Thamarassery check post and Ambayathode. The authorities concerned should take strict action against those who flout rules.
An officer with the Motor Vehicles department said they were constantly monitoring the situation and were carrying out surprise checks across the district to crack down on violators. According to data available, there are over 7730 tipper lorries operating in the district.