Load security while driving is necessary for both commercial and private vehicles that are moving any load. Securing loads helps to protect any potential risks on the road because loose or dislodged loads can cause harm to you or any other vehicle near you.
There are several regulations set as far as load security during transit is concerned. Failing to adhere to the set rules can lead to huge penalties of even more than $200.
Loose loads can at times be fatal to road users. Debris on the road that falls from vehicles cause disruptions, crashes, destruction of property and vehicles, and road closures. This is why it is vital for all loads to be secured.
One of the most common ways is by using tie-down straps which fasten down the load making it immobile and safe. Because the security of every road user lies of good load restraint, here is a guide on how to secure your load.
1. Understand the transport regulations and measurements
The law has set rules and regulations that you must comply with when transporting a load. Your vehicle can only carry a certain amount of weight and this you can either find from the manual of the vehicle or check from the manufacturers’ website.
You can learn more about the regulations from the National Transport Commission so that you can stay within the authorized laws.
2. Use the right restraint
There are many types of restraint that you can choose from, each will depend on the type and size of the load that you are transporting. The two main types of restraints are:
● Tie-down. Using lashings to clamp down the load to the vehicle or nets.
● Direct restraint. This is when the load is contained within the vehicle either by blocking it from moving or by attaching it to the vehicle.
3. Restraining the load
If you are using a light vehicle you must make sure that the load you are carrying does not make the vehicle unsafe or unstable and cannot be easily dislodged or fall from the vehicle.
To ensure the safety of the load you need to:
● Position the load correctly
● Use the right vehicle for that particular load
● Only use the right method of restraint
You can find the right type of restraint for the load that you are carrying from the Load Restraint Guide provided by the government.
4. Carrying the Load
When you need to carry the load, the first thing you should ask yourself is whether or not you should transport the load by yourself. This is because a breach in the transport laws can void your auto insurance in the event of an accident.
Ask yourself the following questions:
● Will the load be a hazard to you? Know if it will affect the view of the road, affect your braking and steering abilities or make the car unstable.
● Will the load be a hazard to others? You have to be within the legal limits, even if it is a short trip.
● Will the load be a danger to your vehicle? Do not put excess stress on the engine by overloading, or damage the interior of your vehicle with the load.
● Are my passengers safe? If the load you are carrying is projecting from the inside of the vehicle then it is a definite risk to your passengers. Loose loads in the vehicle can also harm the passengers.
● Will the load be safe? It is quite easy to damage very valuable property when in transit. The load should be well secured to protect it from any damage.
Consider this guide when transporting any load
To avoid any legal action of even fines you need to transport your load securely. Remember to use quality restraint equipment, position your load correctly, and check the load before the trip and each time you make a stop.