Why It's Important to Secure Your Load

by Courtney Conley

Imagine this: you’re driving down the highway, when all of a sudden, you notice the cars in front of you swerving into the left lane. You slow down, wondering what’s causing everyone to swerve. Then you see it: there’s a mattress in the middle of the lane ahead! Good thing you slowed down and are able to change lanes before colliding with it. Has something like this ever happened to you? Or, on the other side of the story, have you ever lost precious cargo during a move? It’s stressful, dangerous, and difficult to clean up. June 6th is National Secure Your Load Day. Is your load secure?

Truck Load

It’s important to realize that securing your load is vital to traffic safety. Debris and other objects on the roadway can easily cause drivers to collide with the obstructions and each other. Securing your load takes some time, but it’s worth it.

Start by selecting the right equipment for the job. Ratchet straps, bungee cords, and cargo nets are a lifesaver, helping keep your load snug and secure. You want whatever’s in your load to move and shift as little as possible. Make sure your cargo is tightly packed, with no wiggle room to spare. The goal is to create a stable and balanced load that won’t shift even at the slightest turn.

Another important factor is proper weight distribution. Unevenly distributed weight can throw off your vehicle’s balance, making it much more difficult to control. Heavier items should be placed at the bottom and centered, with lighter items on top. Make sure your load isn’t blocking your view of the road.

Securing your load may seem unimportant, especially if you’re just taking a small trip. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. By properly securing your cargo, you’re not only safeguarding the lives of those around you but also protecting yourself and your property. We hope you’ll take the extra few minutes to secure your loads properly moving forward!

Are you interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Imagine this: you’re driving down the highway, when all of a sudden, you notice the cars in front of you swerving into the left lane. You slow down, wondering what’s causing everyone to swerve. Then you see it: there’s a mattress in the middle of the lane ahead! Good thing you slowed down and are able to change lanes before colliding with it. Has something like this ever happened to you? Or, on the other side of the story, have you ever lost precious cargo during a move? It’s stressful, dangerous, and difficult to clean up. June 6th is National Secure Your Load Day. Is your load secure?

Categories: Driving Laws, Driving Safety