Big Oops!

Dottie
By Dottie

Yesterday afternoon I was waiting at the traffic lights by the Toyota Tower (crazy signal?) when suddenly there was a HUGE bang - sounded like a bomb going off. In fact, what had happened, was that a container had fallen off the flat-bed truck that was carrying it. Thank God no-one was hurt, and no other car was involved. So I just thought it was worth warning everyone to be VERY careful when passing these container trucks, especially on roundabouts or bends in the road. The container is NEVER attached securely to the truck, even though there are anchor points for them, so it's relatively easy for them to topple off, and if you're in the way, you'll be mincemeat.

I went on a defensive driving course a couple of years ago (basically, assume everyone else on the road is an idiot!!) and the teacher had some extremely graphic photos of accidents involving these container lorries - one with a car completely squashed underneath a fallen container.

SOOOOO - just thought it was worth reminding everybody to exercise extreme caution when you're near these beasts. Better safe than sorry!

By Xena• 17 Jan 2009 17:05
Xena

drivers seem to think cause they are driving a "tank" they can climb the back of your car and try push you out the way...

Had one on my tail a few days ago as I was slowing at Market R/A on Salwa - he was stopping so close to me, I couldn't even see the windscreen - my dogs were in the car at the time, and I think he was trying to tease them - I kept showing him a back off sign in my side mirror, but he kept a** creeping - was waiting for him to hit me from behind, he would have wished he kept his distance after that....

"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME

 

visit www.qaws.org

By flanostu• 17 Jan 2009 15:55
flanostu

brit, that would've been a tragedy!

By Eagley• 17 Jan 2009 15:51
Eagley

Thanks for the heads up.

Can these container transporter companies be fined? The owners should have better control? Or is life cheap to them and they only care about making money? The faster these transporters load their container or cargo and deliver it, the more they will earn but safety first!!!

What happens if the container accident involves a poor Qatari? Even though they have big 4WDs and their motor skills and reflexes are good, if a container falls off and there's no place to turn off in that split second...

Do the authorities want to wait for something tragic to happen before they take evasive action? I hope the powers that be will look into ensuring enforcement of the safety first principle and have operators ensure each container load is securely fastened before it gets on the road. If it's not secure, that endangers the public.

/btw. barrels of beer, not so bad.. but those containers... And also, the ones I see are those huge concrete slabs but secured. They don't look like much but they certainly are VERY heavy. Also don't go near them when they are doing a turn of any kind (roundabout, etc)

*****************************************

Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

By thexonic• 17 Jan 2009 15:47
thexonic

I've seen that happen alot in industrial area... the problem is the company that owns these trucks, lack of maintenance and working irresponsibly.

--------

Lebanon... the love of my soul!

By azilana7037• 17 Jan 2009 15:45
azilana7037

from these trucks and especially KARWA buses.

Had my share of scary driving experience with these buses. And the driver's explanation, they didn't see my car. I guess they don't look at the side mirrors when they change lanes....(*sighs)

By 3.Emad• 17 Jan 2009 15:39
3.Emad

Good points eagle! I think we should be aware and the answer is to inform the authorities by sending them a letter .. anyone ??

,

Emad =>

By baldrick2dogs• 17 Jan 2009 15:37
baldrick2dogs

Also, what happens if that containter contains all your prized possessions you'd saved up for, for the last 10 years and were shipping home!

Did you Google it first?

By baldrick2dogs• 17 Jan 2009 15:11
Rating: 3/5
baldrick2dogs

Yep, saw the same thing myself last week on C Ring outside Subway. Container came off, hit the traffic light pole and the container literally folded around it! Caused traffic problems for around 4 hours afterwards too.

Did you Google it first?

By DaRuDe• 17 Jan 2009 15:11
Rating: 3/5
DaRuDe

In doha.

! crane broke the sign board high above the road which goes to ritz and the road was blocked for half day.

! such container went below Ras Abu Abod Bridge which stuck in half coz of not enough height.

Doha Petrol station Oil tanker goes back ward and slips down and turned over the road spillin the oil every where. PETROL.

and several other small trucks driving in speed rushing for the green light when they turn the flip in the middle.

so have to watch while driving close to them.

By britexpat• 17 Jan 2009 15:11
britexpat

I was driving down the M1 in UK once and a lorry carrying barrels of beer lost its load..

Funniest sight. Luckily, no one hurt..

By Dottie• 17 Jan 2009 15:08
Dottie

Hey DaRuDe! I don't really think Garvey's closing down is a tragedy.................but it is something that affects people here.

And just wanted to make others aware of the hazard of these containers, that's all. Not really a tragedy huh??

By Mandilulur• 17 Jan 2009 15:03
Mandilulur

Thank you, Dottie for the warning. Sometimes it's hard to believe that anyone could be idiot enough to drive with an unsecured load but this is Doha!

Mandi

By DaRuDe• 17 Jan 2009 15:02
DaRuDe

why do you have to go through tragedies always last time Garveys got close not the container. gal watch it :P dont want you walking on a bridge and then find yourself later deep down in the river

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