Driver forced to dodge flying object on Sydney motorway

A Sydney driver was cruising along the M7 to work as he does every morning, when the truck in front lost a chunk of its load – letting it come flying toward his car.

David had little time to think when the giant object came hurtling down the motorway at high speed.

“It was a bit of a fright. I’m just glad I wasn’t in the car with my wife and daughter,” he told 9News.

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A truck lost its load on the M7 in Sydney.

The speed limit on Sunnyholt Road is 100km/h.

David, who has been driving for 20 years, says someone less experienced than him may not have gotten out of the way in time.

“I was like what the hell? How could anyone let this situation happen.”

“Travelling at that speed with a loose load is ridiculous.”

He says the truck driver pulled over about 100m up the road after realising he’d lost part of his load. Someone could have been killed and this was not an isolated incident, he says, adding he’s seen gravel and other items fly off trucks on the M7 before.

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The truck driver pulled over about 100m up the road after realising he’d lost part of his load.

The fine for driving with a loose load is $464 and the loss of three demerit points. But the penalties can exceed $20,000.

Acting Superintendent Ben Macfarlane says loose loads are a big problem and serious injuries or death can result from a piece of equipment flying off the back of a truck.

“There have been some quite horrific crashes from people not securing loads,” he said.

He described those who failed to secure their cargo as irresponsible and lazy.

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“The ultimate consequence is someone dies … it’s that simple.”

The incident occurred southbound on the M7 in the morning peak on Wednesday.

Transurban, which part-owns the M7, said it has eyes on the motorway around the clock.

If you happen to lose your load, use a breakdown bay and wait for help.

“The most important thing is don’t try and recover the load yourself,” spokeswoman Alisa Hitchcock said.

Ms Hitchcock said these types of incidents are easily avoidable. But those who don’t take the time to secure their load pose a significant safety risk to other road users.