Lost log load ‘serves as maintenance reminder’

Bunbury police officers have urged truck drivers to check their vehicles regularly after a trailer came offits hinges and lost its load on Thursday.

A log truck was travelling southalong Boyanup-Picton Road about noon when the trailer’s draw bar toe hitch came loose and rolled almost 100m, spilling logs along the side of the road.

The road was closed for a couple of hours while emergency services cleaned up the logs. Main Roads transport inspectors examined the vehicle and determined the hitch had been loose for a period of time but could not say for how long.

South West Traffic Division officer-in-charge Sgt Gerard Murphy said the incident served as a reminder for drivers and companies.

‘‘It is extremely lucky the trailer didn’t cross to the other side of the road into oncoming traffic,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s a timely reminder that drivers must always do regular checks.

‘‘Also, that proper maintanence is paramount to keep others safe on the roads.’’

Sgt Murphy said drivers often checked their vehicles but should let this incident serve as a reminder of how important it was to check them regularly.

For more information about vehicle safety and standards visit www.transport.wa.gov.au.