Loading track weighing tons causes chaos: roundabout in Winterbach closed!

Loading track weighing tons causes chaos: roundabout in Winterbach closed!

On Tuesday afternoon, June 17, 2025, there was a serious incident in Winterbach when a track loader weighing several tons fell from a truck. The accident occurred in the roundabout Fabrikstrasse/Ritterstrasse/Ostlandstrasse and immediately led to the roundabout being closed Zvw.de reported. The police determined that the construction machine fell onto the road probably due to a lack of load securing. The incident was reported around 2:30 p.m.

A crane had to be used to put the heavy crawler loader back upright. This incident sheds light on the often underestimated topic of load securing in truck traffic. Loud Auto.de Poorly secured loads are the reason for one in five truck accidents, which illustrates the urgency of the issue.

Training and responsibility of truck drivers

Obtaining a truck driving license is not only expensive, but also time-consuming. The training includes extensive theory and practice that is not required for car drivers. Important components are technical training and theoretical training on load securing, which are essential for all drivers.

The guidelines for securing loads state that heavy goods should, if possible, be loaded at the bottom and front, while lighter goods should be placed at the top and back. This is not only for safety, but also for the stability of the vehicle while driving. During routine checks, the motorway police check the load and compliance with safety regulations.

In the past, there were fewer accidents due to load shifting, which is due to various factors: the lower cornering speed of trucks, less time pressure on drivers and better training play a role here. Nevertheless, the driver is under pressure because, according to the road traffic regulations (StVO), he is solely responsible for securing the load.

The pressure on the drivers

Many truck drivers also experience pressure from their employers when it comes to loading and securing loads. If they are under pressure from their bosses, they have the opportunity to report it, especially if there is a threat of dismissal. The courts are increasingly supporting drivers who find themselves in such situations, providing hope for improvements in the industry.

Incidents like the one in Winterbach make it clear that safety on the roads is of paramount importance. Not only is good training and correct securing of the load required, but also an environment in which drivers are not subject to pressure from their employers. Only then can road safety be sustainably improved.