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Markings On Vehicles
All of us use the nations roads and whether we are drivers or not, we need to be aware of the markings and warning that are displayed on vehicles both domestic and commercial. Many times we may be driving behind a trailer or truck and see a sign (Caution Air Brakes – Stay 17 metres away). This is but one the many warnings that we see on vehicles but do we really know why these signs are displayed and what they mean. These markings or warnings provide safety information and are displayed as part of the regulations set out by the Ministry of Transport (Motor Vehicle and Traffic Act: Chapters 48-50).
Here are some of the markings and warnings that we see on vehicles on a daily basis:
- Caution Air Brakes – Stay 17 metres away - Heavy trucks use air brakes exclusively. Air brakes use compressed air to make the brakes work. Air brakes are designed to bring heavy vehicles to a complete stop very suddenly. Small vehicles are advised to stay a reasonable distance away since they lack the ability to stop suddenly and may end up in a collision.
- Maximum Gross Weight (MGW) – is the weight of a vehicle or vehicle combination and any load thereon. The maximum gross weight is determined by measuring the distance between the first axle (steering) and extreme rear axle and the total number of axles in the vehicle.
- Tare means – the actual weight of the vehicle when it is not carrying a load but inclusive of the body, accumulators, loose tools, spare wheels and a full supply of water and fuel used for the purpose of propulsion.
- Left Hand Drive – means that the driver is seated on the left hand side of vehicle.
- No Hand Signal – means that the driver is physically challenged or unable to make hand signals while driving.
- Licensed for five passengers only – This information is displayed mostly on taxis and means that the insurance coverage is for five persons. If the vehicle has more than the specified number of passengers, these persons will not be covered by insurance in case an accident occurs. The same rule applies for maxi taxis that display information such as “licensed for twelve passengers or licensed for twenty-four passengers”. If you are traveling in an overloaded maxi taxi the possibility exists that you may not be covered by insurance in case of an accident.
- Inflammable – means that the vehicle is carrying a substance, which can easily be set on fire.
As consumers we have the right to protection against environmental dangers over which we have no control, but we can also do our part by paying careful attention to our surrounding in order to minimize these dangers.
Remember, the power is yours!
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