The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) is reminding all drivers that Friday, June 6, is Secure Your Load Day, a national observance dedicated to promoting roadway safety.
Whether you’re hauling yard debris or construction materials or moving household items, it’s critical to secure your load before you hit the road.
Unsecured loads are more than an inconvenience — they’re dangerous. Items falling from vehicles can lead to crashes, injuries and even fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2022 Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, crashes caused by unsecure loads and road debris caused 895 deaths, 17,203 injuries and 98,502 property damage crashes across the nation.
In Oakland County, RCOC staff addressed five material spills since 2024. Additionally, the RCOC weighmaster has written 28 tickets for unsecured loads in the last year.
“Let’s keep Oakland County’s roads safe for everyone,” said RCOC Managing Director Dennis Kolar. “If you’re transporting anything in a truck, trailer or vehicle roof rack, tie it down, cover it up and do not overload. It only takes a few extra minutes and can prevent a tragedy.”
Tips for Securing Your Load:
- Tie it down: Use strong ropes, straps or bungee cords to secure items.
- Cover it up: Use a tarp or netting to keep loose items contained.
- Check your load: Give everything a tug test before driving off.
- Secure liquid materials: Use sealed containers or tanks that are properly fastened to prevent spilling or tipping during transport.
- Don’t overload: Make sure your vehicle or trailer can handle the weight.
- Maintain equipment: Regularly inspect and maintain trailers, hitches, tie-downs and other hauling equipment to ensure they are in safe working condition.
- Drive cautiously: Avoid sudden stops or sharp turns that can cause loads to shift.
Secure Your Load Day is also a reminder that preventing litter on the roads starts with proper hauling. RCOC encourages everyone to do their part to keep our roads clean and safe for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Make this a daily practice.
For more information on load safety, visit www.secureyourload.com.
