OLYMPIA, WA – Washington state agencies have relaunched the “Secure Your Load for Safer Roads” campaign to reduce crashes and roadside litter caused by unsecured vehicle loads. The annual effort coincides with National Secure Your Load Day on June 6 and aims to raise awareness about the dangers of debris falling from moving vehicles.

Now in its fifth year, the campaign is led by the Washington Department of Ecology in collaboration with the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC).

Unsecured loads were linked to 337 crashes and 32 injuries statewide in 2024. Alongside safety concerns, unsecured debris contributes significantly to roadside litter. Ecology and WSDOT collected over 6.4 million pounds of litter last year, though an estimated 26 million pounds accumulate along Washington roadways annually. Approximately 40% of that comes from items falling or blowing out of vehicles.

This year’s outreach includes free distribution of cargo nets and ratchet straps at community events in Whatcom, Whitman, and Pierce counties. In addition, 80 hardware stores across Washington are offering safe hauling tips and product promotions. A new partnership with NAPA Auto Parts enables 12 stores in Central Washington to provide 15% discounts on tie-down gear for drivers who commit to securing their loads.

The WSP will conduct emphasis patrols during the first three weekends in June to enforce load security laws. In 2024, troopers contacted over 5,300 drivers and issued 532 citations related to unsecured loads.

Fines for unsecured loads in Washington range from $50 to $5,000, with higher penalties in cases involving injury or property damage. Criminal charges may also apply.

More information on the campaign and safe loading practices is available at SecureLoadsWA.org.