Ringwood EastLink smash truck driver David Kaden convicted of careless driving

A court has heard a van driver was lucky to be alive after a terrifying smash on EastLink, caused by a truckie who lost his load. WATCH THE VIDEO

Truck driver David Kaden’s trailer tipped over on EastLink, causing an excavator bucket to roll onto the road into oncoming traffic. Picture: EastLink

A thoughtless truck driver who lost his load on EastLink, causing debris to fall onto the road, leading to a major car accident, has pleaded guilty to careless driving.

David Kaden, 36, appeared at the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on February 28 to answer charges of careless driving and failing to properly secure his load following the accident on April 1, 2019.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Ernie Kersai told the court Kaden took the turn onto the freeway on-ramp from Canterbury Rd, Ringwood, too fast, causing the trailer he was towing to tip onto its side and become detached from his truck.

An excavator and other debris in the trailer spilt onto the road, Sen-Constable Kersai said.

He said the excavator bucket, which was not properly attached to the excavator, rolled into the path of oncoming peak hour traffic.

A white van hit the bucket, which caused the van to flip on to its side and skid across the road until it came to rest in the emergency lane, he told the court.

Sen-Constable Kersai said emergency services were forced to pull the injured driver from the van through its windscreen after he became trapped.

He said the driver suffered ongoing back and shoulder injuries as a result of the accident.

Kaden’s lawyer told the court his client’s work colleague initially told him it was fine to tow the excavator without the bucket attached.

But Magistrate Daniel Muling said it was clear Kaden’s driving behaviour had been irresponsible.

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“The innocent driver who collided into the bucket was very lucky not to be killed as a result of what obviously happened very quickly and suddenly,” Mr Muling said.

“There was carelessness very obviously in this case.”

Kaden pleaded guilty to both driving charges and Mr Muling convicted and fined him $1500.

He also suspended him from driving for three months.