To help ensure safety for all, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding drivers to always Secure Your Load.
Unsecured loads not only endanger you but also other drivers and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), each year, about 730 people are killed and 17,000 more are injured because of objects in the road. Most of these crashes (81%) involve unsecured loads on passenger vehicles.
In Connecticut, since 2018, there have been over 900 crashes due to objects in the road. Of these crashes, over 100 people sustained an injury due to the crash.
National Secure Your Load Day was first started in 2004 by Robin Abel, a Washington resident, whose daughter was severely injured by an unsecured load on the roadway. In 2010, Arizona resident Paul Reif joined Abel’s efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured loads after Reif’s son was killed by an unsecured load. Since then, National Secure Your Load Day has been held annually each year on June 6.
“National Secure Your Load Day is an important reminder that the safety of our roads depends on each of us. By taking simple steps to secure our loads, we can prevent crashes and save lives,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. “Even the smallest items falling from a vehicle can be deadly. I encourage all residents to spread the word about the importance of securing your lead and to practice safety measures every day.”
NHTSA recommends the following tips to ensure you properly secure your cargo:
- Tie it down with rope, netting, or straps.
- Tie large objects directly to your vehicle or trailer.
- Consider covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting.
- Don’t overload your vehicle or trailer.
- Always double-check your load to make sure it’s secure.
Every U.S. 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.
For more information, visit nhtsa.gov/drive-safe-secure-your-load.