Driver Stops Vehicle to Resize Overhanging Load,Avoiding Traffic Violation
A driver transporting building materials in Norway narrowly avoided a traffic violation just before Christmas by taking matters into his own hands – and a saw – to adjust an improperly secured load. The incident, which occurred at the Hylkje checkpoint in Åsane, north of Bergen, highlights the importance of securing cargo and adhering to regulations regarding protruding loads.
According to reports, a Toyota Hiace van was flagged down by the Norwegian Public Roads Management after officials observed planks extending more than half a meter from the vehicle’s side window. This presented a potential hazard to other motorists.
“I myself was standing at the outpost when this one came driving,” stated a representative from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. “And when I saw what was sticking out of the side window, there wasn’t much doubt. We had to stop this one!”
The driver, apparently having just left a hardware store, quickly assessed the situation. Rather than facing a fine or being required to re-secure the load through conventional means, he proactively retrieved a tape measure and a saw. He then proceeded to cut the planks to a size that would allow them to fit entirely within the vehicle.
“He simply took out a tape measure, then a saw,” the official continued. “Then he sawed the planks so that thay could fit inside the car. and thus all was well. Just so stupid that he didn’t do it before he set out on a drive.”
Regulations stipulate that objects should not extend beyond the width of the vehicle. While protrusions of up to 15 centimeters on each side are permitted for passenger cars – as long as the total width does not exceed 2.55 meters and the load is properly marked – any protruding object deemed dangerous to other traffic is prohibited.
The norwegian Public Roads Administration confirmed that such incidents are not common, emphasizing the overall compliance of drivers with safety regulations. “Fortunately, it is not something we see very often. And that’s good,” the official concluded.
The incident prompted several concerned citizens to contact the police,demonstrating a heightened awareness of road safety. While the driver’s impromptu roadside repair ultimately resolved the issue, authorities stress the importance of properly securing loads before commencing travel to prevent potential hazards and ensure compliance with traffic laws.
Here’s a breakdown answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions, integrated into a more substantive news report format:
Why did this happen? The driver was transporting building materials that were not properly secured, causing planks to extend beyond the vehicle’s width.This posed a safety hazard to other motorists.
Who was involved? The incident involved a driver of a Toyota Hiace van, officials from the Norwegian Public roads Administration, and concerned citizens who reported the issue to the police.
What happened? A driver was stopped at the Hylkje checkpoint in Åsane, Norway, after officials observed planks extending more than half a meter from the side of his van. Instead of receiving a fine or being required to re-secure the load, the driver used a tape measure and saw to cut the planks down to a size that would fit entirely within the vehicle.
how did it end? The driver successfully resolved the issue by resizing the planks himself, avoiding a traffic violation. Authorities confirmed the incident was unusual and reiterated the importance of properly securing loads before travel.The driver’s actions, while unconventional, ultimately made the vehicle compliant with regulations.
