Washington State Department of Ecology

Secure Your Load

Since 2004, there have been approximately 20 accidents related to unsecured loads in Washington State highlighted in the media. Twenty-five thousand accidents a year result from unsecured loads in the United States. On average, 400 accidents involving road debris occur each year on Washington state highways. Fallen items 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. RCW 46.61.655 outlines what will happen if a law enforcement officer catches someone with an unsecured load on public roads.

Tips for Secured Loads Video

This video shows pickup truck owners and drivers how they can 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 is very useful information 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.

Secure Your Load Video

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

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. For more information or for a copy of this video, please send an email to LITTER1.

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

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

Examples of unsecured load-related accidents

For more information please send an email to LITTER1.