A tipper vehicle was travelling on a public road and had just exited a roundabout. As the vehicle was pulling away in traffic, the nearside outer wheel on the third axle became detached.

The wheel travelled backwards alongside the vehicle before coming to rest in the carriageway. Another company vehicle was travelling behind and was able to stop safely and alert the driver.

The subsequent examination identified that loose wheel nuts had resulted in the wheel becoming detached from the vehicle.

Fortunately, nobody was injured and no collision occurred. However, a detached HGV wheel has the potential to cause a serious or fatal incident.

A review identified the following points.

• The immediate cause of the wheel detachment was loose wheel nuts.
• The incident reinforces the importance of checking wheel security and recognising the early warning signs of wheel-nut movement.  
• It was also proved that the driver had not check tightened his wheel nuts for the last two weeks despite signing a check sheet stating this had been done.

What should drivers look for?

• Loose or missing wheel nuts
• Moved or misaligned wheel-nut indicators
• Rust or witness marks around wheel nuts
• Damaged, stretched or broken wheel studs
• Cracking or marking around wheel fixing holes
• Unusual vibration, knocking or noise
• Any change in vehicle handling

Key Safety Messages

• LOOSE WHEEL NUTS CAN RESULT IN WHEEL LOSS
• Drivers must carry out an effective daily walk-around check and pay particular attention to wheel security.
• Where wheel-nut indicators are fitted, do not simply check that they are present. Check that their position has not changed and investigate any apparent movement.
• If you identify a loose nut, moved indicator or any other sign of wheel movement  -  STOP • REPORT • DO NOT DRIVE
• Report the defect immediately through the normal vehicle defect reporting process and contact the Workshop.
• Never assume a wheel is secure simply because the vehicle was driven without problems on the previous journey.