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Secure Your Load

There are many serious unsecured load related accidents in Washington State. A report by the AAA Foundation estimates twenty-five thousand accidents a year result from unsecured loads in North America. On average, 400 accidents involving road debris occur each year on Washington state highways. Items that fall off vehicles endanger other motorists not only because the debris may strike other vehicles, but also because motorists may have to swerve to avoid the debris. These situations also cause traffic jams. Having tarps, netting, and other tie-down materials to secure loads is a great way to prevent roadside accidents. View the focus sheet on secured loads.

The requirement to secure loads is in the "Rules of the Road," RCW 46.61.655, which is enforced by Washington State Patrol. The Department of Ecology has educational materials available that will give tips to help people comply with the law. Two videos and two brochures are available. You may view the materials below, or order them through the Washington State Department of Printing web page at http://www.prt.wa.gov. On the right side of the screen, click on myFULFILLMENT. You will be asked to register if you are new to this website. Once you are signed in, you can shop by agency by clicking on Fulfillment: by Agency on the left side of the screen. Then you can order materials, add them to your cart, and checkout. Quantities are limited. For more information, email litter1@ecy.wa.gov.

Tips for Secured Loads Video

This video shows pickup truck owners and drivers how to properly load and secure a variety of items. These items range from yard waste to construction materials. The video also shows how to use appropriate tie-downs. This information is appropriate for private individuals and small business owners or their employees, such as landscapers.

You will need the QuickTime Player to view these videos, click here to download QuickTime for free.

Please click on the links below to watch the linear version or specific chapters of the video with Spanish or English subtitles. For more information or for a copy of this video, please send an email to LITTER1.

Linear video.
Choose to view with English subtitles (QuickTime 83.5 MB) or Spanish subtitles (QuickTime 83.5 MB). Run time 17 min. 16 sec

1. The Law.
Choose to view with English subtitles (QuickTime 9.9 MB) or Spanish subtitles (QuickTime 5.6 MB). Run time 2 min. 3 sec.

2. General Load Safety.
Choose to view with English subtitles (QuickTime 17.4 MB) or Spanish subtitles (QuickTime 9.8 MB). Run time 3 min. 37 sec.

3. Securing Debris.
Choose to view with English subtitles (QuickTime 18.8 MB) or Spanish subtitles (QuickTime 10.7 MB). Run time 3 min. 55 sec.

4. Securing Household Goods.
Choose to view with English subtitles (QuickTime 14.0 MB) or Spanish subtitles (QuickTime 7.9 MB). Run time 2 min. 56 sec.

5. Securing Tools & Equipment.
Choose to view with English subtitles (QuickTime 14.1 MB) or Spanish subtitles (QuickTime 7.9 MB). Run time 2 min. 55 sec.

6. Securing Building Materials.
Choose to view with English subtitles (QuickTime 10.4 MB) or Spanish subtitles (QuickTime 5.8 MB). Run time 2 min. 9 sec.

7. Securing Loose Materials.
Choose to view with English subtitles (QuickTime 16.3 MB) or Spanish subtitles (QuickTime 9.2 MB). Run time 3 min. 23 sec.

View the Tips for Secured Loads brochure in English (PDF 4.17 MB).
View the Tips for Secured Loads brochure in Spanish (PDF 337 KB).

Secure Your Load Video

This video has real stories of how "litter can hurt" people and why it is important to prevent such incidents. The video features Maria Federici who suffered a nearly fatal accident in 2004 from an unsecured load in Renton.

You will need Windows Media Player to view this video, click here to download Windows Media Video for free.

Click here to view the video. Only available in English without subtitles. (Windows Media Video 16.3 MB) Run time: 9 min. 43 sec.

View the Secure Your Load brochure in high resolution (PDF 13.8 MB).
View the Secure Your Load brochure in low resolution (PDF 0.8 MB).
View the Secure Your Load brochure in Spanish (PDF 3.0 MB).

Examples of unsecured load-related accidents