KSL TRAFFIC

Ogden Canyon crash raises concerns about large load safety

Jul 10, 2024, 5:00 AM

Lifetime Products CEO and President, Richard David Hendrickson was killed in a crash in Ogden Canyo...

Lifetime Products CEO and President, Richard David Hendrickson was killed in a crash in Ogden Canyon, along with his daughter, on Saturday. (Utah Highway Patrol)

(Utah Highway Patrol)

OGDEN, Utah — The fatal crash in Ogden Canyon over the weekend that killed Lifetime Products CEO and President Richard Hendrickson and his daughter is still under investigation.
 
The accident occurred when a bulldozer reportedly fell off of a trailer and into oncoming traffic. This has left many questioning the safety of large cargo loads on the road. 
 
In fact, the number one issue that Utah Highway Patrol gets calls for is unsecured debris on the roadways.
 
“I wouldn’t say that it’s an every day thing, but it is fairly common to have load securement issues with heavy equipment,” said Corporal Justin Cloward, with Utah Highway Patrol Motor Carriers.

How to legally secure loads

There are federal regulations for transporting heavy machinery. For example, heavy loads require a four-point secure tie-down system.  But the regulation that seems to get most drivers in trouble is accounting for the weight distribution.
 
“And that’s usually where we see the deficiency, is the way that it’s hooked to the machine,” said Cloward.
 
50% percent of the weight of the machine must be covered with a securement.  But it gets a little more complicated than that.  If the securement is attached directly from the trailer to the machine, that only counts for half of the weight value. 
 
If someone needed to account for 10,000 pounds, but they had it attached directly to the trailer, then they’d really only be covering 5,000 pounds. 
 
At that point, they would need another securement.
 
While it has not been confirmed that the Ogden Canyon crash was caused by an unsecured load, it does show how dangerous cargo can be.
 
Corporal Cloward recalls a time that something smaller caused a huge issue. 
 
Several years ago, a car was hauling a unsecured barbeque.  It fell onto the roadway causing a huge accident involving two other cars and five semi trucks.
 
“All because we couldn’t take just a second to throw a tie-down strap on our barbeque,” said Cloward.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

KSL Traffic

A woman rides her bike on a wet road...

Devin Oldroyd

UDOT issues weather alert just in time for morning commute

The Utah Department of Transportation issued a weather alert on Tuesday for several roadways around the state.

2 days ago

Southbound traffic on Interstate 215 near 4700 South is being diverted because of a box truck that ...

Don Brinkerhoff

Here are some Utah traffic laws you may need to brush up on

Drivers in the Beehive State have several challenges on the road, including trying to learn and remember all of Utah’s odd road laws.

6 days ago

November is one of the peak times for wildlife-vehicle collisions....

Allessandra Harris Gurr

How to stay safe during the peak time for wildlife-vehicle collisions

November is one of the peak times for wildlife-vehicle collisions. Here are some safety tips.

12 days ago

The design for the new Great Salt Lake license plate includes a pelican flying across the Great Sal...

Adam Small

Great Salt Lake license plates could hit bumpers in the next couple of months

The design for the Great Salt Lake license plates just needs final approval and finishing touches before people start receiving their plates.

12 days ago

Jaywalking in Salt Lake City...

Michelle Lee

Should Utah keep ticketing jaywalkers?

Here's what Sgt. Spencer Cannon with the Utah County Sheriff's Office thinks.

13 days ago

several people walk with reflective bags and while wearing reflective halloween costumes at Gardner...

Michele Rowe

Utah Highway Patrol gives tips on road safety for a safe Halloween

Halloween is here and the Utah Highway Patrol has some advice on making sure both kids and drivers stay safe while out on Oct. 31.

13 days ago

Sponsored Articles

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Stressed young woman checking bills, taxes, bank account balance and calculating expenses in the li...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Why you should speak to a Utah lawyer about longstanding IRS tax issues

Hiring a lawyer to navigate longstanding IRS tax issues can make a significant difference in achieving a favorable resolution.

4 construction workers fixing roof against clouds blue sky, install shingles at the top of the hous...

Chipman Roofing

Weather the storms by maintaining your roof

By taking the time to assess your roof's condition and make repairs as needed, you maintain the longevity of your home's stability.

Tax Harassment...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Feeling intimidated by the IRS? 6 Essential facts you should know.

If you are receiving threatening letters and wage garnishments from the IRS, hiring an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.

Photo courtesy of Nightmare on 13th...

Nightmare on 13th

Here’s why Nightmare on 13th is the best haunted house in Utah

Fall brings Halloween, and Halloween brings Haunted Houses. There’s no better Haunted House than Nightmare on 13th – here’s why!

Ogden Canyon crash raises concerns about large load safety