National Secure Your Load Day: Idaho State Police Emphasizes the Importance of Securing Cargo

MERIDIAN, Idaho – The Idaho State Police (ISP) recognizes National Secure Your Load Day on June 6, 2024, as safety goes beyond the steering wheel and extends to ensuring your entire vehicle, trailer, and load are secure when you hit the road.

Unsecured loads pose a significant safety risk on our roadways. Objects falling from vehicles or trailers can cause serious injuries or fatalities by colliding with other vehicles or pedestrians. Idaho law mandates that no vehicle shall be operated on any public highway unless its load is secured to prevent it from becoming loose, detached, or a hazard to others.

“Many people mistakenly believe that only commercial drivers need to worry about securing their cargo,” said ISP Captain Staley of the Commercial Vehicle Safety division. “We want all drivers to understand that securing their load is every driver’s responsibility. It’s a simple act that will prevent accidents and save lives.”

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) underscores the serious risks unsecured loads pose. Annually, around 730 fatalities and 17,000 injuries are attributed to debris on the roads. Notably, 80% of these incidents involve unsecured loads from passenger vehicles.

Before transporting a load, it is crucial to ensure it is secured on the top, sides, and back so nothing can blow or fall out. Drivers should consider how their load will act if there is a sudden decrease in speed, bumps or potholes, wind, or if the vehicle is involved in a crash.

Always ask yourself, “Would I feel safe driving behind my loaded vehicle?” To help drivers properly secure their loads, follow these essential tips:

-Tie down the load with rope, netting, or straps.
-Secure large objects directly to your vehicle or trailer.
-Cover the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting.
-Avoid overloading your vehicle or trailer.
-Always double-check your load to ensure it is secure.
-Use ratchet straps for heavier items to provide a more secure hold.
-Distribute the weight of your load evenly to maintain vehicle balance.
-Use a cargo net for lighter items that might fly out.
-Check load security regularly during long trips.
-Ensure that your tailgate is securely closed and locked.

By adhering to these guidelines, we can all play a part in fostering safer roadways. Remember, your commitment to securing your load is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of everyone on the road.

Throughout the United States, numerous organizations are dedicated to raising awareness about this critical issue. Robin Abel, whose daughter was nearly killed in a collision in 2004, founded “Secure Your Load” (www.secureyourload.com) to champion the cause. She has collaborated with state governments to mandate secured loads and successfully advocated for federal initiatives, including a national study on unsecured loads. Her efforts contributed to including secured loads in the FAST Act, which funds grants to educate the public.

Posted in District 1 - Northern Idaho, District 2 - Central Idaho, District 3 - Western Idaho, District 4 - Southern Idaho, District 5 - Southeastern Idaho, District 6 - Eastern Idaho