Some truck drivers have astonishing skills, being able to park in tiny spaces or negotiate perilous mountain passes. So, with the automatic gearboxes and super-light steering systems companies like Volvo have been introducing, you'd think the number of crashes would go down. But because of tight schedules, professional long-haulers are taking too many risks.
A few weeks ago, we showed you how a British driver working for Ford severely damaged five brand-new Focus hatchbacks by hitting them against a low bridge. Today, we're showing you overambitious driving of an entirely different nature.
The driver of a massive 60-ton tanker in Sweden decided he would take a small river crossing in Gagnef. But the floating bridge made of wood and light pontoons was only designed to carry 4 tons. The result is as predictable as it is surprising to see.
The truck broke the bridge in half and went into the river on its side. Fortunately, the driver didn't drown and only sustained minor injuries, but getting the vehicle out of the water proved very tricky. Over 500 onlookers reportedly lined up on both sides of the broken bridge to watch the rescue operation. The trailer proved the most problematic, as it got stuck in the mud and needed to be emptied of its contents first.
Local media reports suggest the driver wasn't using his GPS and knew that the bridge could only take 4-ton vehicles because it was clearly indicated. But because he was running late, he gunned the engine and hoped a full-speed run would do the trick. It didn't...
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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