Secure Your Load, It's the Law

“Don’t Trash Arizona” is a campaign that Arizona implemented to bring awareness to the dangers of material coming off of vehicles when they are not properly secured. The law requires a load to be secured. “A person shall not drive or move a vehicle on a highway unless the vehicle is constructed or loaded in a manner to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking or otherwise escaping from the vehicle.” (A.R.S. 28-1098.A).

Large items should be properly secured to ensure they will not come out of the vehicle. Tarps are perfect for keeping most debris, such as landscape trimmings, dirt, rock, and concrete, from spilling out on to the roads in and around the City.

Don’t Trash Arizona offers tips for motorists to keep the roadways clear of dangerous debris:

-Tie It Down. Large and heavy items should be firmly secured with solid straps, rope, bungee cords, or netting. These items should be tied down directly to the vehicle and be able to withstand winds of 70 mph on the freeway. At 70 mph, that wind is providing about a 20-lbs-per-square-foot push on those loads, which can dislodge items and push them right off the vehicle.

-Cover It Up. For loose, lighter items such as couch cushions, appliances and patio chairs, drivers should use a sturdy plastic, canvas tarp, or netting to keep items in place.

-Don’t Overload. Keep materials level with the truck bed or trailer unless tied down, netted or covered with a tarp.

Let’s all do our part to keep Prescott clean.

For further information, contact the City of Prescott Transfer Station at (928) 777-1116.