On July 24, 2024, the Rhône gendarmes took decisive action when they stopped an overloaded vehicle at the Limas tollbooth on the A7. The vehicle was found to weigh 2,400 kg, exceeding the planned weight of 2,150 kg by 250 kg. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with vehicle overloading, as even slight excesses can lead to serious accidents. The police highlighted the importance of adhering to weight limits for safety.
The situation escalated when authorities discovered that three children, aged 1, 6, and 11, were seated in the back of the sedan on a mattress, without any seat belts. This alarming discovery raises significant concerns, especially considering that in 2022, 24% of road fatalities involved individuals who were not wearing seat belts. The statistics are even more troubling for children, with 1 in 4 child fatalities in road traffic accidents occurring without seat belts during 2021 and 2022.
The driver faced multiple penalties: one for the vehicle's overload and three additional fines for each unrestrained child. The vehicle was subsequently immobilized, with the driver required to lighten the load and ensure the children's safety before being allowed back on the road. This incident underscores the critical need for road safety measures, particularly regarding the use of seat belts for children.
