State patrol launching major effort to make sure drivers’ loads are secured

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol is launching a new effort to keep the state’s roadways safer by educating drivers on the importance of making sure their loads are secured.

WSP is reminding drivers to secure their cargo and keep anything from flying off their vehicles, which could result in litter scattered on roads or even the death of another driver.

In March, a 20-year-old from Edmonds was killed after slamming into a mattress which fell out of a truck on Interstate 5 near Mountlake Terrace.

“We’ve already had two deaths … directly as a result of lost loads here in the state of Washington this year, and obviously numerous collisions,” said WSP Trooper Darren Wright. “And litter on the side of the roads just makes our beautiful state look just horrible.”

In 2004, 24-year-old Maria Federici was hit by a wooden board that flew off the back of a trailer, crushing her face and leaving her blind and disfigured.

Until Maria’s Law was passed two years later, the driver who lost that unsecured load could not be prosecuted for causing her injuries.

Troopers say Maria’s Law is always enforced, but more officers will now be asked to focus on any load which appears loose or unsecured.

The state patrol will be running emphasis patrols for three weekends in a row, starting on June 10.

Troopers will be specifically looking for drivers hauling loose loads and any cases of objects littering the road.

Depending on how dangerous the situation is, a driver can get anything ranging from a warning to jail time. Even tossing a cigarette out the window of a car can lead to a $1,000 fine.

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