WHY SHOULD YOU SECURE YOUR LOAD?

1. IT SAVES LIVES:  Across North America, road litter, either dumped on purpose by motorists or accidental fall-outs from unsecured loads, causes 25,000 accidents every year, nearly 100 of them fatal. Road litter poses a serious hazard here in Washington too. On average, there are 350 accidents involving road debris on state highways each year.  Source: The Washington State Deparment of Transportation.
2. IT IS THE LAW:  No vehicle shall be driven or moved on any public highway unless such vehicle is...loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping. Source: RCW 46.61.655. State law specifically refers to "secured" loads.  **Please be aware that your community may have a local ordinance that goes beyond the state law and requires loads to be covered.  **Please check with local authorities to be sure you are in compliance.
3. IT COSTS MONEY:  The fine for transporting an unsecured load in currently $194. If an item falls out of or off of your vehicle and causes bodily injury, you will be charged with a gross misdemeanor, which carries a penalty up to $5,000 and may include jail time. If the item causes property damage, you'll be facing a misdemeanor. The fine for littering something as small as a piece of paper is $103 and can be up to $5,000 for larger items such as a mattress or other pieces of furniture. Covering or securing your load will keep money in your pocket.
4. IT PREVENTS LITTER:  No person shall throw, drop, deposit, discard, or otherwise dispose of litter upon any public property in the state...whether from a vehicle or otherwise. Source: RCW 70.93.060 (1). 34% of the litter-related violations issued the Washington Sate Patrol in 2003 were for a failure to secure a load and an additional 22% were issued for debris escaping from those loads. It is estimated that unsecured loads cause up to 25% of roadside litter. Source: www.ci.seattle.wa.us

LITTER AND IT WILL HURT.....for more information visit: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/litter

 Tips: - How Can You SECURE Your Load?

When using any vehicle or trailer to haul material, take a few minutes to secure the load.

1. Tie down with rope, bungee cords, netting, or straps. Tie large items directly to your vehicle.
2. Consider covering the load with a sturdy plastic or canvas tarp or a net.
3. Lighter goes lower.  Put lighter weight things at the bottom of the load.
4. Don't Overload.  Keep material level with truck bed or trailer unless tied down, netted, or tarped.
5. Always double-check your load.
6. Become familiar with local laws. Some communities have ordinances that require loads to be covered, not just secured.

Stay tuned for Maria's Story tomorrow!

Thanks!

verjo@kendallwatch.us