The difference between life and death for the person driving behind you may depend on how well you secure the items in the bed of your truck or strapped to your vehicle. Each year, more than 700 people die as a result of unsecured loads. An unsecured load is any cargo, object, or debris that is not properly fastened, tied, covered, or restrained in or on a vehicle. This includes ladders, wood, scrap material, tools, mattresses, plants or trees, bikes, or anything else that could fly from a vehicle.

Secure Your Load Day is recognized across the nation on June 6. It serves as a day of remembrance of the lives lost to unsecured loads and provides an opportunity to educate drivers on how to properly secure objects to prevent further injuries and fatalities.

These simple steps could save someone’s life:

• Tie large objects directly to your vehicle and ensure ropes or bungee cords are tight.
• Cover all of your items with a tarp or netting and secure it on all sides.
• Don’t overfill your vehicle.
• Check for loose items — nothing should be able to shift, fall, or become airborne during travel.

Next time you get behind the wheel, ask yourself: would you feel safe driving behind your vehicle? Fasten your seat belt and secure your load. Learn more at secureyourload.com.