Today is Secure Your Load Day. So, what does that mean?
Jun 6, 2024, 9:14 AM | Updated: Dec 17, 2024, 5:58 pm
A family loads things into a truck. Secure Your Load Day is meant to increase awareness of the importance of securing loads. (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY – Secure Your Load Day is June 6. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, it aims to raise awareness of the dangers unsecured loads can pose.
The GHSA website said that the campaign started in 2016. “Most states” have dedicated June 6 as the proclaimed day.
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, over the past five years, officers have reported needing to clear debris from the road 138,900 times. On average, that is 76 instances per day.
Additionally, the GHSA website said that between 20 and 40% of road pollution comes from unsecured loads.
Secure Your Load Day aims for education, awareness
Planning on moving things with your vehicle? Make sure that the load is secured.
According to a media plan by Washington State’s King County, there are several ways to ensure your load is secured.
Firstly, you should place lighter items beneath heavier items. Providing weight atop of lighter items can prevent them from bouncing or blowing out of your vehicle. Then, secure heavier items with fastening devices. They can include rope, chains, or netting.
For extra security, place a tarp over the load. Secure it with straps or rope, ensuring that wind generated by a moving vehicle can not move it.
If you aren’t hauling a load anytime soon, the GHSA said there are other ways you can participate in National Secure Your Load Day. For example, talking with family, friends and young drivers about the importance of securing loads can help spread the word.
