Troopers emphasize safety when hauling cargo

While many pickup truck drivers will make certain anything in the truck box is secured or at least safe before hitting the road, many motorists don’t consider it necessary to secure objects inside a vehicle. Alaska State Troopers are hoping to change that.

AST Lt. Andrew Gorn said Tuesday, June 6, is “Secure Your Load” day in Alaska. Gorn said the movement to increase overall road safety got its start in the Lower 48 but AST officials are trying to bring similar awareness to Alaska drivers.

“We all know of unfortunate accidents where things leave the bed of a truck,” said Gorn, adding the same kind of accident can occur when bulky or heavy items inside a vehicle are not properly secured. “(AST is) trying to get the word out that it’s important to secure items both inside and outside a vehicle.”

Gorn said while police aren’t putting extra patrols on the road to mark the day, it’s both prudent and results in a cleaner environment for those items lost from trailers and pickup beds. He said items inside an enclosed vehicle can become deadly projectiles in the event of an accident.

“Anything can be hazard,” Gorn said adding a tire or piece of wood in the road can possibly be deadly. “Someone in a random car can stop or swerve.”

Gorn said vehicle operators towing items should also take a second to check both the load and the connection between the vehicle and trailer. He said it’s not unusual for there to be a mismatch between the size of the hitch receiver and tow bar ball.

“People should make sure their trailers are securely attached. I had a call a couple of years back where a trailer dislodged and pierced the side of another vehicle,” Gorn said.

The lieutenant also encouraged anyone witnessing improper towing and/or unsecured cargo to contact authorities or phone in a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) report.

“Don’t be afraid to let law enforcement know,” said Gorn.