Trucks a risk on Khorfakkan road

After prolonged suffering, I have decided to highlight the issues motorists face on the long straight road from Fujairah Free Zone via Qidfa to Khorfakkan.

This road has no traffic signals to control the passage of heavy vehicles. In fact, the problems created by these heavy vehicles can be listed.

The first [issue] is at the U-turns. When loaded trucks and long vehicles take U-turns, it involves a high risk. I have seen large trucks stuck in the gap between the roads due to a few inches of miscalculations while taking the turn.

While they struggle there, the motorists who are passing by on the straight road have to halt and give way to these heavy vehicles.

One particular U-turn near Wurayah must be altered so that truck drivers are less stressed while going through.

I also urge the authorities to implement traffic signals wherever necessary and to regularise traffic congestion, which causes stress among truck drivers and other motorists.

Secondly, the maintenance of these trucks seems to be very poor, considering the amount of exhaust smoke they churn out. It should be monitored by the vehicle owners and the transport authorities, as it is creating an unhealthy environment.

Open trucks are the next issue of concern. Loaded to the brim, these large trucks have to go over many speed bumps and winding roads before they reach their destination.

At times, small stones or rocks escape from the truck's cargo hold and even a small breeze can cause it to take to the air — risking the lives of other motorists. Once, I witnessed a car's windshield being partly shattered by a stone — the driver was left completely shocked.

I request the authorities to ensure that loaded trucks have their cargo covered and not left open to the elements.

— The reader is an administrative supervisor, based in Fujairah

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