April 5, 2013 FLEMINGTON — Hay bales fell from a truck today, hitting a Mini Cooper and South Main Street in front of Sun Bank, near the middle of three circles. Borough police said that flat-bed truck driver Robert G. Michisk, 59, of Franklin Township, didn't immediately realize that some bales had fallen, but returned a short time later. Police said that the falling bales damaged a 2010 Mini Cooper driven by Brian P. Vadimsky of Somerville. The bales were moved to the side of the road and Michisk reloaded them in the bank parking lot after speaking with police and the driver of a Vadimsky, who was parked the same area. It was reported that about 30 bales had tumbled off the truck. The bales were secured with a ratchet strap, police said. The accident happened shortly before noon. Michisk was charged by Patrolman Brian McNally with driving with an expired registration and failing to properly secure a load. Source - Hay bales fall from truck near Flemington circle and hit Mini Cooper | NJ.com
How do you not see a hay bale in the road or why are you tailgating a truck full of hay bales? Mini owners fault, pay attention.
I wasn't there so I will not pass judgement. That being said when driving behind anything with a load held down with rope, bungee cords, or ratchet straps be very aware & careful. You never know what could fall on the road. Hope the MINI is repaired easily, glad no one was hurt.
Yeah... When we do the runs in Amish country.... I'm always vigilant..... You just never know what you will happen upon cresting a hill at a spirited velocity.... Them road apples are sneaky...
Texting is much more important to drivers in Jersey than paying attention . . Mini owner deserves to have his fob taken from him and should be driving a U-go.
Without more information, I wouldn't conclude that it was the MINI driver's fault. Even following the truck at a safe, conservative distance, it might be tough to avoid multiple bales falling off a truck (the news report said 30 bales).
The MINI driver could have been driving alongside the truck when the strap let go, would be a bad position for anyone to be in.
The MINI could have been sitting still in traffic as the truck passed it in the opposite direction, when the load decided to let loose... Coulda... Woulda... Shoulda...
Around here the farmers are partial to the big, round bales. I hate it when they haul them around en masse, or if I have to pass one of these in the opposite direction on a two-lane highway. Avoid 'em like the plague...