A Tauranga truck driver has been charged with dangerous driving after dashcam footage captured him overtaking two vehicles on the wrong side of the road along the Kaimai Range, State Highway 29.
The incident took place on January 7 was caught on video and widely shared on social media, sparking outrage among viewers. The footage shows the truck, belonging to Matamata-based contracting company J Swap, crossing double yellow lines and using the oncoming lane to overtake two vehicles just as a passing lane ended.
The 29-second video shows the truck re-entering the left lane just before an oncoming vehicle rounds a corner, narrowly avoiding a potential collision. Commenters on the viral post described the manoeuvre as “shocking” and “dangerous,” while others speculated on what might have led the driver to take such a risk.
Inspector Scott Webb, national manager of the Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Team, confirmed that following an investigation, a 40-year-old man from Tauranga has been charged with dangerous driving.
“He has been summonsed to appear in the Tauranga District Court on February 27,” Webb said. “As the case is before the court, we are unable to comment further.”
J Swap confirmed last month that it was aware of the incident and that an internal investigation was underway. However, the company did not provide further details on whether dashcam footage from inside the truck was available or what may have prompted the driver’s actions.
Vaccinated with reduced cognitive skills?
Tired after driving 12+ hours?
Hurrying to get home for the Holiday?
A Big Rig is NOT a Subaru, Toyota of Nissan Skyline….but some Big Rig drivers seem to remain in the Boy Racer mindset, which makes for a dangerous hazard, especially to others!
& yet, I can’t get a job driving a Big Rig, despite attending a formal training course that lasted 6 weeks in another country…and was University approved (1 of only 2…)!