Both the truck runs in Peelland and Tilburg on April 16 were canceled at the last minute due to an insurance problem. Hundreds of participants with a disability are disappointed as a result. “We are sick and deathly sick of it,” says organizer Maico Meyer of the Peelland truck run. On Tuesday, the CDA asked parliamentary questions about the cancellations to the Minister of Finance.
The truck runs in which people with disabilities ride in a truck are also canceled in other towns and cities. The CDA wants the minister to consult with the insurers.
Meyer explains the problem: “The disabled participants are fastened in the seat belt in a co-driver’s seat. However, their supervisors do not have a seat belt. They sit on the bed behind the seats, for example. Last year in Overijssel there was an accident involving such a supervisor. Subsequently, a claim for damages was submitted by a personal injury lawyer and the insurers adjusted their conditions.”
The supervisors are no longer allowed to come along. The organization of the special trucker ride in Peelland has been looking for a solution for a long time. “For example, using trucks with three seats, such as a teaching car has. Or by choosing participants who do not necessarily need guidance all the time. Supervisors can then ride along in a van with the procession and take action if, for example, someone needs to go to the toilet .”
However, there was not enough time to find out who did or did not need a chaperone, and there were last minute not enough trucks with an extra seat available. “170 trucks are taking part. It is one of the best days of the year for both the drivers and the participants. Everyone looks forward to it all year long,” said a disappointed Meyer.
Unacceptable risk
However, continuing the tour in its current form was not an option. “That was really an unacceptable risk. It is with a heavy heart that we have to cancel the 2023 edition. We are also in consultation with the umbrella truckers’ association, fellow organizers of other truck runs and insurers to find a solution. Hopefully next year through,” says Meyer.
The Tilburg truck run will not take place next Sunday either, the organization decided on Tuesday evening. “Three quarters of our participants have accompanied them. This means that an unacceptable risk has arisen acutely. We have sought advice from insurance companies and lawyers in recent weeks, but that has not produced the desired clarity.”
Although the chance of a similar incident as Overijssel is ‘very small’, Stichting Truck Tour Tilburg considers organizing the truck tour ‘with all these uncertainties both legally and morally irresponsible’, she says. “This is very unfortunate for everyone who was looking forward to the wonderful event.”
The truck run has also been canceled in Limburg (Horst aan de Maas) and Twente (Salland).