 June 3, 2024
County campaign reminds drivers that securing their load leads to safer travels for everyone
Every year in Washington, debris from unsecured vehicle loads causes 300 traffic crashes on average. In 2023, these crashes sadly led to 16 injuries and one death.
There are also countless "near miss" incidents. In Kitsap County, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) received around 250 reports of dangerous highway debris in 2023 alone. This debris included building materials, ladders, couches, chairs, mattresses, trash cans, garbage, and more. Each could have resulted in a collision or worse.
To reduce these incidents locally, Kitsap County Public Works, Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, Washington State Patrol, and the Kitsap County Target Zero Task Force are once again participating in the statewide Secure Your Load for Safer Roads campaign. The campaign raises public awareness about the need to properly secure vehicle cargo.
The launch of the campaign coincides with National Secure Your Load Day on June 6, part of a movement started by Washington resident Robin Abel after her life was altered in 2004 by an unsecured load that blinded and nearly killed her daughter.
The Kitsap Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed June 6 as Secure Your Load Day in Kitsap County to raises awareness about this issue while honoring and remembering individuals whose lives were lost or affected by debris from an unsecured vehicle load.
Securing your load prevents roadside litter
Road debris is not just dangerous, it's also an environmental issue and a costly maintenance challenge. Kitsap County invests over $250 thousand each year to remove litter and illegally dumped waste from local roads and public lands, and state agencies spend approximately $12 million each year to clean up litter along state roads and highways. Despite these efforts, more litter accumulates than can be collected.
“Nearly forty percent of the trash and litter on Washington’s roads starts out as loose cargo falling from a truck or a car,” said Laura Watson, director of the Washington Department of Ecology. “It’s dangerous to other drivers – and it harms our state’s environment. A few extra seconds strapping down your cargo can prevent a collision and help keep Washington beautiful."
Join the movement
What can residents do to help? It all starts with simply strapping down and securing all items in your car, truck, or trailer for every trip – even if it’s just down the road. Tarps, ratchet straps, and cargo nets are cheap and effective solutions for securing many types of loads. Residents are also encouraged to talk with friends, family, and colleagues about the importance of securing vehicle loads.
As part of this year's campaign, Kitsap County is giving away load securing equipment at its four solid waste facilities, while supplies last. These tools are available at Olympic View Transfer Station and the Recycling and Garbage Facilities in Hansville, Silverdale, and Olalla.
State and local law enforcement agencies are also conducting emphasis patrols to find unsecured loads and hand out tickets or provide education to those whose loads are not secured in accordance with state laws. State troopers will conduct patrols across Washington for three consecutive weekends from June 3 to 23.
In 2023, WSP troopers and commercial vehicle enforcement officers contacted more than 5,000 motorists statewide for improperly secured loads.
“The truth is collisions caused by unsecured loads are completely preventable,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “By choosing to secure all of the items in your vehicle before hitting the road, you can contribute to safer travels for everyone.”
Littering and driving with an unsecured vehicle load are against the law in Washington, with fines up to $5,000. If cargo falls out and causes bodily harm or property damage, the driver could also face jail time.
Drivers who arrive at Kitsap County solid waste facilities with an unsecured vehicle load are charged a $10 unsecured load fee, which goes toward local roadside litter cleanup efforts. In 2023, 908 facility customers were charged the fee from August through December.
To learn more about this campaign and how you can help keep Kitsap's roads safe and litter free, visit kcowa.us/SecureYourLoad or kcowa.us/SujetaTuCarga.
Tips for securing vehicle loads
It's quick and easy to secure your load. Watch this Washington State Patrol video to see a demonstration, and follow these tips from the Washington Department of Ecology.
Reporting unsecured vehicle loads
Call 911 if you see a dangerous unsecured load, hazardous road debris, or witness something fall from a vehicle that could cause a crash. If safe to do so, provide the license plate and a vehicle description.
To report litter escaping from a commercial garbage truck, email the Department of Ecology at Amber.Smith@ecy.wa.gov. Reports are sent to the Washington Refuse and Recycling Association, the group representing major trash haulers. Include the location, time, date, company name, and truck number if available.
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