StraitNZ truck driver stood down after dangerous West Coast overtaking video
A truck driver has been stood down after a video of them dangerously overtaking another truck was posted online.
The incident, which happened on the West Coast on August 28, showed a StraitNZ truck overtaking another truck on a bend in wet conditions.
A StraitNZ spokesperson said the driving in the footage was completely unacceptable.
“Safety is our single biggest priority as a business, and the driver concerned was stood down permanently, effective immediately.”
The NZTA road code says that to pass another vehicle, drivers must have a clear view of the road ahead, and drivers should avoid passing a truck when it is about to turn.
The video was uploaded to a Facebook page that discusses bad driving. Opinion on the manoeuvre was split amongst commenters.
“This is unbelievable! Could have been incredibly serious!” said the poster of the video, “Stupidity right here!!”
Others had sympathy for the driver and suggested that the drivers of both trucks would be in radio contact with each other, and their view would be better than that of those in a car.
Police say they have had no record of the incident being reported to them.