Man charged over SA truckie's death

An Adelaide man has been charged with the manslaughter of a truckie in a crash which police believe occurred because of brake failure.

Robert Brimson, 45, from Salisbury, died after his vehicle crashed into a road sign as he was driving in suburban Happy Valley on March 7.

Police believe the cause of the crash was brake failure and Mr Brimson's deliberate actions in swerving to avoid a collision saved the lives of other drivers.

Last month police declared the incident a major crime and a task force was formed.

Police on Friday charged a 54-year-old Athol Park man with unlawfully killing Mr Brimson through gross negligence.

He also is charged with endangering the life of another motorist on March 7 when the brakes on the same truck failed, and endangering the life of another truckie on March 5 who was driving when the same brakes failed.

"The death of Mr Brimson was totally avoidable and should never have occurred," Detective Superintendent Des Bray said.

"Transport operators have a duty of care to ensure vehicles under their control are maintained in a roadworthy condition to minimise the risk of injuries to all road users, including their own drivers.

"Those who fail to meet this obligation and where that failure results in death should expect to be charged with serious criminal offences."