Reclassification of cement mixer trucks as 'hazardous' vehicles eyed

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Thursday proposed the reclassification of concrete mixing transport trucks from ordinary trucks to "hazardous vehicles."

The MMDA’s proposal came in the wake of the death of 21-year-old Marie Cherrie Inzon, who was pinned by a cement mixer that fell on its side and crashed on a passenger jeepney at the corner of Araneta and Del Monte avenues on Tuesday. Eight others were injured in the accident.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the reclassification will ensure that safety precautions are observed whenever the cement mixer trucks are in transit in busy major thoroughfares, where they are vulnerable to accidents. 
      
Under the international motor vehicle classification, concrete mixers are classified as ordinary Class 8 heavy duty trucks or those with gross vehicle weight rating of 14,969 kilograms or more. These also include all types of trailer trucks.

"Drivers of cement mixers have limited line of vision because of the huge drum at the rear. They cannot see through their back. Their rearview mirrors are useless," Tolentino said.

He said cement mixers should be classified as dangerous or hazardous-type vehicles such as fuel tankers, which have safety features such as prominent signs and lightings.

"If you’re driving a dangerous vehicle, other vehicles must stay away at least 50 feet and you should not go nearer than 50 feet to the vehicle you’re trailing," Tolentino said.

Tolentino added that a truck driver must also possess a special driver's license demonstrating that the driver has sufficient training in the operation and general safety of the vehicle.

Based on MMDA data, Tolentino said at least one vehicular accident involving cement mixers takes place in Metro Manila every week.

"Cement mixer drivers are usually in a hurry to catch up with their delivery schedule. This is the number one cause of accident," he said.

Ready-mix concrete trucks, for example, have 90 minutes to deliver their load to the construction site before the concrete mix sets in, Tolentino said.

To prevent such accident, Tolentino advised all truck drivers to comply with the speed limit being imposed by the MMDA.

In United Kingdom, he said trucks have a speed limit of 90 kilometers per hour. - Dennis Carcamo