Summary

Saturday, June 6, is “Secure Your Load Day,” and the King County Solid Waste Division encourages everyone to properly secure their loads to keep roadways safe, avoid fees and prevent litter.

Story

In recognition of “Secure Your Load Day” on Saturday, June 6, King County’s Solid Waste Division is reminding all drivers transporting oversized items such as furniture, tools and equipment, or debris to take the time and use basic supplies, such as ropes, netting, and straps, to properly secure their loads. A load is secure when nothing can slide, shift, or fall onto the roadway, or become airborne.

“Secure Your Load Day” is a national effort championed by King County resident Robin Abel, whose daughter was severely injured by an unsecured load.

A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that road debris contributes to more than 50,000 traffic crashes every year in the U.S. Of those crashes, 125 people lost their lives. The study also reported that about two-thirds of debris-related crashes are the results of unsecured loads and improper vehicle or trailer maintenance.

“Even though the dangers of an unsecured load seem obvious, every year we see thousands of people showing up at our recycling and garbage transfer stations with improperly secured loads,” said Solid Waste Division Director Pat McLaughlin. “State law requires our employees to charge a fee to anyone who arrives with an unsecured load.”

King County’s top law enforcement officer, Sheriff Mitzi G. Johanknecht, adds, “Public safety is our number one concern, and that’s why we want motorists to secure their loads today and every day. It only takes a few minutes to properly secure your load and prevent collisions, injuries, and fatalities. If you see a dangerously unsecured load call 911 immediately.”  

Even if a person is traveling a short distance at low speeds, all loads transported on every roadway must be secured. These simple tips for securing loads can save lives:

• Place lighter items lower and heavier items on top to help keep them in place and secure the heavy items to your vehicle.
• Tie down using rope, netting, straps, or chains. Fasten large items directly to your vehicle.
• Consider covering the entire load with a tarp or netting. Make sure that any covering is securely tied down.
• Don’t overload your vehicle or trailer.
• Double-check that your load is secure.

For more information about securing your load, visit the King County Solid Waste Division’s website at www.kingcounty.gov/secure-your-load.  

RELEVANT LINKS

• King County Solid Waste Division Secure Your Load: www.kingcounty.gov/secure-your-load

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Annie Kolb-Nelson, 206-477-5373
 

About the King County Solid Waste Division

The Solid Waste Division is guided by its vision to achieve Zero Waste of Resources by 2030, and to enhance the environment through collaboration and innovation. The division operates eight transfer stations, two rural drop boxes, and the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill – the only operational landfill in the county. Our stakeholders include residents and business owners in unincorporated King County and 37 cities throughout the county. Our mission is to deliver value our customers and stakeholders, and to continuously improve waste prevention, resource recovery, and waste disposal.