OVERLOADED (OVD)

is something thousands of drivers are penalised for on UK roads every year.

To many, getting caught means getting hit with a hefty fine. Ignoring the longer-term consequences is though painfully short-sighted.

That’s because the impact of overloading extends beyond your bank balance and to the vehicle itself. Indeed, excess load can seriously impinge on performance and endanger those behind the wheel... not to mention passers-by.

Let’s take a closer look at the associated dangers.

1. Steering
Firstly, lorries and vans can very quickly become difficult to steer. Sheer weight leads to slower turning capability, the perils of which are obvious.

Cornering can suddenly prove hazardous and result in your vehicle causing some highly embarrassing obstructions. HGV’s are challenging to drive at the best of times, why complicate matters?

2. Stopping Times
Just as - if not more- alarming is the effect overloading has on stopping times.

Coming to a complete halt will inevitably take that bit longer if you’re transporting more weight than the vehicle was built to carry.

This heightens the risk of collisions, particularly when unforeseen hazards appear and necessitate a hard stop. Those few extra milliseconds could prove fatal.

3. Tyre Wear
Braking will also be negatively impacted by failing tyres, often a direct consequence of vehicle overloading.

The pressure placed on your wheels is exasperated by increased stock, resulting in overheating and accelerating the rate of wear and tear.

Of course, too much strain will inevitably lead to blow-outs. In that scenario a minor delay could prove the least of your worries.

overloading-van

4. Fuel Consumption.