U.S. Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)/Office of Highway Safety’s (VIOHS) Motor Carrier Assistance Program (MCSAP) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind truck drivers to secure vehicle loads. Items improperly secured contribute to debris littering the roadways and pose crash injury and fatality risks for other road users.
Every U.S. state has a law making it illegal for a driver to operate both non-commercial and commercial motor vehicles with unsecured loads. Violating these laws can carry penalties of up to $5,000. “Truck drivers – whether commercial or private – are responsible for securing their loads,” advised VIOHS Director, Daphne O’Neal. “Debris falling from moving trucks litter our roadways and pose injury risks to other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 730 people are killed and another 17,000 are injured each year because of objects on the road. Most of these crashes (81%) were caused by unsecured loads on passenger vehicles.
Before transporting a load, drivers must check that the load is secured on the top, sides, and back, and make sure nothing can blow or fall out. Follow these tips to ensure cargo is properly secured:
- Use rope, netting, or straps to tie the load down.
- Tie large objects directly to your vehicle or trailer.
- Consider covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting.
- Don’t overload vehicles or trailers.
- Always double-check loads to make sure they are secure.
June 6th is nationally observed as “Secure Your Load Day.” For more information on this campaign, visit www.nhtsa.gov. Locally, you may contact MCSAP at 340-513-4897 on St. Croix, 340-227-0953 on St. Thomas/St. John, or Director Daphne O’Neal at daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov.
