With summer travel in full swing, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is reminding drivers to secure their loads to ensure roadway safety. As part of the 101 Days of Summer Safety Campaign, ALEA is highlighting National Secure Your Load Day on June 6. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured cargo and roadway debris.

Importance of Securing Loads

Summer is a busy travel season, with families on the road, home improvement projects, and increased use of boats and trailers. ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor emphasizes that securing loads is crucial for preventing crashes and keeping Alabama’s roads safe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, unsecured loads contribute to approximately 850 fatalities and nearly 19,000 injuries annually.

Guidelines for Safe Load Securement

ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit encourages both commercial and non-commercial drivers to take extra precautions. They recommend using ropes, netting, or straps to tie down loads, securing large objects directly to vehicles, and covering loads with sturdy tarps when necessary. Overloading should be avoided, and drivers should double-check their loads before and during trips.

Benefits Beyond Safety

In addition to enhancing safety, securing loads helps reduce litter and debris along highways. ALEA urges drivers to adopt load securement as a routine practice, reminding them to ‘Secure Your Load as if everyone you love is driving in the vehicle behind you.’

Original reporting: Rocket City Now (Huntsville) — read the source article.