Saturday is National Secure Your Load Day
By Terry Murry on Friday, June 5th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
SALEM – The Oregon Department of Transportation is observing National Secure Your Load Day to remind motorists that cargo striking vehicles at high speeds or drivers swerving to avoid debris can trigger multi-car pileups, severe injuries, and significant traffic gridlock.
From 2015 to 2024, there were just under 2,500 crashes in Oregon that involved lost or shifted loads or vehicles being struck by an object set in motion by another vehicle. These crashes caused 144 serious injuries and 43 fatalities.
Tips for properly securing your cargo
- Tie it down with rope, netting, straps or tarps.
- Tie large objects directly to your vehicle or trailer; you may need tie-down hooks.
- Cover the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting.
- Do not overload your vehicle or trailer.
- Always double-check your load to make sure it’s secure.
No matter what is being hauled or how far it has to go, securing loads keeps roads safe. Motorists are asked to call 911 if they see a dangerous unsecured load or something fall off a vehicle that could cause a crash or injure someone.
ODOT photo of an unsecured load
