Authorities warn against carrying passengers in the rear sections of pickup trucks and light trucks on expressways

The Expressway Maintenance and Supervision Committee has issued a warning urging drivers of pickup trucks and light trucks to carry passengers in the rear cargo sections only when absolutely necessary.

During public holidays and festive periods, including Thadingyut, Tazaungdaing and Thingyan, large numbers of people often travel on religious pilgrimages and leisure trips in the cargo areas of pickup trucks and light trucks.

The committee noted that vehicles such as Hijet, MiniCab, Carry and Sambar (small trucks); Hilux, TownAce, LiteAce, Bongo and Vanette (medium-sized trucks); and Dyna, Fuso, Canter and Condor (heavy trucks) are designed primarily for transporting goods rather than passengers.

Carrying large numbers of people in the rear sections of these vehicles while travelling on expressways is extremely dangerous and can also pose risks to other road users. Although some vehicles are fitted with canopy frames, their cargo areas lack proper passenger safety equipment, including seats, seat belts and airbags. Consequently, passengers can be thrown out of vehicles during collisions or rollovers, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.

From January 1 to November 13 this year, seven accidents involving pickup trucks and light trucks were recorded, leaving 17 people injured and five dead, according to the committee.

In response, drivers have been strongly urged to use the rear sections primarily for carrying goods, avoid transporting large numbers of passengers and carry people only when absolutely necessary.

The committee also reminded drivers of expressway safety regulations, including maintaining a speed of below 60 kilometres per hour for pickup trucks, light trucks, heavy trucks and lorries; parking safely on the roadside shoulder whenever stopping; keeping vehicle lights on when parked at night; and checking vehicle conditions and tyre safety before starting a journey.