Overloading Facts

• Overloaded vehicles cause damage to the road surface by a factor that grows exponentially as the load increases on a national road.
• Damage to roads as a result of overloading leads to higher maintenance and repair costs and shortens the life of a road, which in turn places an additional burden on the state as well as law abiding road users who ultimately carry the costs of inconsiderate overloaders.
• From a road safety perspective, overloaded vehicles are dangerous as they require longer distances to brake before coming to a stop. Overloaded vehicles generate high centrifugal forces in corners, and shifting loads or loss of tyre grip becomes an instant safety risk. Overloaded vehicles have a reduced tyre life, an increased risk of blow-outs and reduce the driver’s control over the vehicle, escalating the chances for an accident to occur.