Did you know that the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has removed an estimated 5,234 cubic yards of trash from unsecured vehicle loads since 2021? That’s equal to around 2,617 truck beds full of trash and litter! Litter, from small straws to old furniture, can end up blocking our storm drains and polluting our ocean and local waterways.
Luckily, there’s a solution to the pollution. Ensuring that your vehicle’s load is secure prevents litter from escaping from your truck bed, trailer, or roof rack and onto the road while the vehicle is in motion. This means making sure nothing—no trash, bulky items, or harmful liquids—can escape from your vehicle. By securing your load, you can not only prevent storm water pollution, but also support traffic safety and prevent harm and injury to other drivers and pedestrians due to unsecured, escaped items.
As an annual reminder, June 6th is recognized as Secure Your Load Day. Here are some tips to avoid littering and keep other drivers safe:
- Checking your car manual to make sure you are not overloading your vehicle or trailer.
- Tying down the load with rope, netting, or straps.
- Tying large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer.
- Covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting (which is then tied down).
- Attach a bright red flag to the end of any objects that extend beyond the end of your vehicle.
- Always double-check your load to make sure it is secure.
According to Hawaiʻi’s Statewide Traffic Code, “no vehicle shall be moved on any highway unless the vehicle is so constructed, covered or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, blowing, spilling, or otherwise escaping therefrom.” Violators may be penalized with a $250-1,000 fine and/or suspension of their driver’s license or vehicle registration.
Litter destroys the natural beauty of Hawaiʻi’s highways, harms marine life through ingestion and entanglement, contributes to ecological harm, and costs thousands of dollars to remove. The next time you’re driving with items on the roof of your car or in the bed of your truck, remember to secure your load so that it arrives safely at its destination without leaving anything behind.
Sources: HIDOT, Secure Your Load
