SPOKANE, Wash. — State agencies in Washington are once again launching the Secure Your Load for Safer Roads campaign this week.
Washington State Patrol, Washington Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Transportation and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission are teaming up to remind you to secure your load before hitting the road.
National Secure Your Load Day is on June 6, honoring people who lost their lives or were injured by debris falling from vehicles.
According to the Washington Department of Ecology, unsecured loads were responsible for 337 crashes and 32 injuries last year in Washington.
“Keeping Washington’s roads safe and clean takes all of us,” said Casey Sixkiller, director of the Washington Department of Ecology. “A small action like strapping down your cargo can make a big difference in preventing crashes, protecting the environment, and reducing litter.”
This year, the Department of Ecology is funding cargo nets and ratchet straps that will be given out for free at community events in Whatcom, Whitman and Pierce counties.
WSP troopers will also conduct emphasis patrols the first three weekends in June that will look specifically for unsecured loads. Last year, over 500 citations were issued across the state to drivers with unsecured loads.
“Every year, we see the real consequences of unsecured loads—crashes, injuries, and preventable tragedies,” said Chief John R. Batiste of the Washington State Patrol. “Our troopers will be out this June to educate drivers and enforce the law, but our message is simple: secure your load, and save a life.”
Fines can range from $50 to $5,000, with higher costs if your unsecured load causes injury or property damage. In serious cases, drivers can even face criminal charges.
To learn more about this campaign, click here.
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