Department of Transportation

HDOT Joins Nationwide Campaign to Remind Motorists to Tie Down Cargo to Prevent Injury and Road Debris

 

HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) joins 46 other states in reminding motorists to “Secure Your Load.” The reminder is part of the nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the importance of securing your load, on June 6, National Secure Your Load Day, and every day, for a safer Hawaiʻi.

Forty percent of litter removed from roadways each year is due to unsecured loads. Throughout the islands this is a common occurrence. Maui District reported  the removal of 25.5 gallons of various materials that fell off vehicles since 2020. Oʻahu District reported removing 1,651 cubic yards of debris from unsecured loads between 2023-2024.

HDOT would like to remind the traveling public that, per the Statewide Traffic Code: “No vehicle shall be moved on any highway, unless the vehicle is so constructed, covered, or loaded as to prevent any of its load… from dropping, sifting, leaking, blowing, spilling, or otherwise escaping…” The full text of the statute on spilling loads on highways and the associated penalties can be found at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0291C/HRS_0291C-0131.htm

Anytime you travel with a loaded truck bed, trailer, or roof rack, make sure to properly secure your load by:
1. Tying down the load with rope or straps.
2. Tying large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer.
3. Covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp (which is then tied down), or netting.

After tying down a load, double check to make sure that nothing can slide, fall, or shift out of your vehicle. Check your car manual to make sure you aren’t overloading your vehicle.

For more information on securing a vehicle load please view the Washington State Patrol training video at https://youtu.be/QCYUjp0LATc

 

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