Unsafe cargo in motorcycles rose in 2025

[Photo; Renato Marques]

Statistics from the Public Security Police (PSP) indicate that last year, traffic violations increased by 0.4% compared to the previous year, primarily due to motorcycles being caught committing “unsafe cargo loading” and “cargo overloading.”

In 2025, there were 498 cases involving 295 motorcycles and 203 cars, compared with 496 cases the previous year involving 282 motorcycles and 214 cars, indicating a slight increase.

After reviewing the data, the police noted that they have intensified enforcement in recent years to curb “unsafe cargo loading” and “cargo overload” traffic violations and ensure the safety of other road users.

However, some delivery motorcycle drivers, seeking convenience or to reduce transport costs, load large quantities of cargo onto the footrest area or tie large items near the passenger seat at the rear of the vehicle. This demonstrates a lack of traffic safety awareness among some residents.

Using a motorcycle to carry small items is presumably not a major issue. However, if it is used to transport large quantities, bulky goods, or construction tools, and an emergency brake is applied due to sudden road conditions, the cargo or tools could easily shake loose or fall onto the road. This could cause the motorcycle to lose balance and crash, potentially involving other vehicles.

At the same time, incidents involving cargo falling from trucks onto the road also occur. For instance, in mid-last month, a truck traveling along Rua dos Cavaleiros in Taipa had a metal frame on its cargo bed that was suspected of not being securely fastened. When the driver made a turn, the entire metal frame fell onto the road.

As a result, freight and logistics companies in Macau should implement safe cargo transport measures. Before departure, drivers must ensure that cargo in the truck bed is securely fastened to prevent it from falling onto the road and compromising driving safety. Ricaela Diputado