CTDOT Press Releases
06/06/2023
National Secure Your Load Day is June 6
A Reminder that Every Driver has a Responsibility to Ensure all Cargo is Safely Secured
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding drivers to always Secure Your Load when driving to ensure safety for all. National Secure Your Load Day, which is celebrated on Tuesday, June 6, started in 2004 thanks to the work of Robin Abel, a Washington State resident, whose daughter was severely injured by an unsecured load on the roadway.
According to NHTSA, more than 700 fatalities a year are attributed to unsecured loads, and 17,000 more are injured because of objects in the road. Most of these crashes (81%) involve unsecured loads on passenger vehicles. Every state has a law making it illegal for a driver to operate a non-commercial motor vehicle with an unsecured load. Violating these laws can carry state-specific penalties of up to $5,000.
“It is every driver’s responsibility to ensure their cargo is properly and safely secured to their vehicle to protect all roadway users. Materials and debris on the roadway caused by unsecured loads can cause serious injuries and deaths,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Before transporting anything, check that the cargo is fastened on the top, sides, and back to ensure nothing will fall out. Then check it again to make sure it is secure.”
Follow these tips to ensure properly secured cargo:
- Tie the load down with rope, netting, or straps.
- Tie large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer.
- Consider covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting.
- Don’t overload the vehicle or trailer.
- Always double-check the load to make sure it’s secure.
For more information, visit nhtsa.gov.
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