...a bridge too far...

Often, we read about major accidents caused by these road giants - overturnned buses, lorries that slammed into other vehicles, lorries and buses that break down and cause massive traffic jams. Most of the time, when such accidents occur, the driver will be fined and compounded (if they are lucky enough to survive through and causing the death of others).

Take for instance, the jam on the Penang Bridge. As we all know, the magnificent bridge is on contruction for widening the lanes (or to mend the supposedly rumoured cracks). Many a time, there will be a jam, caused by a lorry that broke down somewhere along the lanes. This may cause miles and miles of jam...on both side (one where the mishap happens and the opposite side, where all the kay pohs slow down their vehicles to see).

I remember very well two incidents that happened when I was working in Prai.

1) The first happend on the bridge towards the middle span at about 3.00pm on a work day. A huge lorry carrying sugar over turned due to over loading. This caused the jam way back in all directions to the bridge. My usual trip from my workplace to the Penang Bridge toll plaza is at 10mins the most, ended up 3.5 hours!!!

2) A lorry carrying cargo container over turned and almost flattened a car. Luckily there was no casualties but the poor car. The officials have to close both directions - the lane where the accident happened was close due to the jam. On the opposite side, because they need to send in a crane to lift and remove the container. This too caused hours of jam.

I am very certain, there were many that slipped my mind and are many more incidents such as these. I was wondering, why can't the authorities issue a heavy fine to the company who owns the lorry. There maybe an argument that, afterall it's the driver's fault, but I think overloading, breaking downs due to mechanical problems can hardly be blamed on the drivers. Companies should service and check their heavy vehicles before they are let "loose". If it's a puncture, then it is excusable. When such rules are implemented, I guess, all companies will abide by these and send their vehicles for regular servicing. This not only cease the inconvenience caused to others, but also to avoid unnecessary life taking accidents.