FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2017
CONTACT: Lt. Kevin Ayd
410-537-7724
MDTA POLICE STEPPING UP
UNSECURED LOAD ENFORCEMENT
#secureyourload
BALTIMORE, Md. - Today, the Maryland Transportation Authority
(MDTA) Police are joining law-enforcement agencies across the country in
the "Secure Your Load" safety campaign." The MDTA Police are
conducting high-visibility enforcement initiatives and educating motorists
about the importance of securing loads.
According to figures from a Government Accountability Office report, 440
deaths, 10,000 injuries and 51,000 incidents are documented each year due
to vehicles traveling on highways with unsecured loads.
The MDTA Police remind motorists to always secure their loads in vehicles
and trailers. A load must be fastened securely and is only considered secure
when nothing can slide, fall or shift onto the roadway or become airborne.
Maryland law requires that all loads be secured. The fine for an unsecured
load is $90.
The MDTA Police ask you to follow the following guidelines:
- Tie it down with ropes or straps.
- Tie large objects directly to your vehicle or trailer.
- Consider covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting.
- Don't overload your vehicle or trailer.
- Always double-check to make sure it's secure.
- Animals must be properly secured.
The MDTA Police support the Maryland Department of Transportation
Maryland Highway Safety Office's "Toward Zero Deaths" campaign - a
partnership to save lives and prevent injuries on Maryland roadways. For
more information, visit towardzerodeathsmd.com
The MDTA Police remind you to Move Over or Slow Down for emergency
vehicles and tow trucks that stopped on a highway and using visual signals.