Diesel Spills – What Riders Know!
The spillage of diesel fuel from heavy commercial vehicles, vans and cars is particularly dangerous for riders.
This occurs when the vehicle’s fuel tank has been filled or overfilled and/or the tank cap is either faulty, or even missing.
When the vehicle enters a bend or roundabout after filling, the resulting surge often results in several litres of fuel being deposited on the road surface.
The result is a very slippery and invisible surface of which the motorcyclist has no warning and it almost inevitably results in the rider and machine parting company, often with serious consequences for the rider.
What’s Happening
The Department for Transport (DfT) in Great Britain is to undertake a two-year study into the problem of diesel spillages and the most effective way of cleaning them up.
Although in Northern Ireland the Department for Regional Development (DRD) through the Roads Service are responsible for our roads and we are sure they will be monitoring this welcomed study into the issues of diesel spillage.
Some Rocket Science
TruckProtect Ltd, www.truckprotect.com the manufacturer of the anti-spillage ‘Neck-It’ fuel-filling device has won the KillSpills/British Motorcyclists Federation/IAM Award 2009 for ‘Achievement in Reducing Diesel Spills’.
TruckProtect Ltd says ”Neck It” is the ultimate fuel-anti siphon device, which has a unique Fuel Anti-Spill Valve fitted and Importantly, the valve can be retrofitted into existing devices. “It stops spillages, can save lives and prevents fuel theft,” says Russell Fowler, CEO at TruckProtect.
Right To Ride, says, “We hope that the PSNI and agencies such as the Driver and Vehicle Agency exercise their powers of enforcement to check that fuel systems have no leaks, that fuel caps fasten correctly and seal securely.”
Off course when a diesel spill or other contaminant e.g. Oil is present on the road the spill should be cleaned using an absorbent that is made for the job, that includes spills in garage forecourts.
Remember
From KillSpills:
- ‘Diesel is as lethal as black ice in the wet, but takes far longer to disappear.’
- Advice on spotting and dealing with diesel on the road. Look out for diesel spills on roundabouts, junctions, bus stops, roads near petrol stations and other tight corners that will cause uncapped fuel tanks to slosh over.
- Any wet patch on a dry road is suspect and long dark lines should be avoided. Diesel is deadly, even on a dry road, and it does not evaporate.
- In the wet, look for rainbow colour patches on the road and stay alert for diesel’s distinctive smell, it’s as lethal as black ice in the wet, but takes far longer to disappear.
- REMEMBER, you can usually smell diesel BEFORE you can see it!
- Remember, diesel can have you and your bike sliding down the tarmac in seconds, so always look ahead and avoid any suspicious looking patches on the road.
Keep your eyes open when out on the road report dangerous spillages to the PSNI, they should get it dealt with immediately.
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