SAFETY Tip of the month

September Safety Tip of the month.

.10 Common Sense Rules for Hauling

Secure everything properly, even groceries. Buy the Cargo SafetyWeb before loading anything into an empty truck or trailer bed. Always keep your Cargo SafetyWeb in your vehicle at all times—you never know when you’ll need it. Have any passengers help watch the load for safety.
Never let anyone attempt to act as a tie-down by holding on to cargo while riding in a SUV or pick up truck during transport.
Check the condition and weight limits of the vehicles tires.
Do not overload them.
Be sure tires are properly inflated within their stated capacity.
Know how much weight you hauling and whether it is within the limits of the vehicle.
Install suitable overload springs if needed.
Distribute weight evenly as much as possible. Be sure the load is properly supported. Loading weight to the rear effects steering and handling. Do not exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s total weight limits as outlined in the owner’s manual.
Cover everything that could blow out of the cargo area. Driving creates lift to unsecured items. Protect others on the road from flying materials and the dangerous evasive maneuvers that other drivers may have to make to avoid road debris.
Secure a bright red flag to loads that extend 3’ beyond your vehicle bumper.
Hitch trailers properly. Use safety chains and verify tongue weight as well as hitch capacity. Be sure all lights are working properly and that any required brakes are in working order.
Drive slowly to reduce lift and load shifting from sudden stops, turns and bumps. Adding weight increases braking distance. Be particularly alert for the need to brake hard or turn suddenly will cause the loads to shift. Watch for wind, wind shifts and the buffeting of semis as you meet them. Shifting cargo can cause distractions and lead to accidents.
Don’t leave open hard tonneau lids or cap doors to accommodate loads. Remove them before hauling oversize loads, and then anchor loads properly.
Ask for professional assistance if you have any doubt about the safety of your load. If a load falls onto the freeway, don’t try to retrieve it yourself. Call the highway patrol for help.

The life you save may be your own!

Recommendations

Trucks and open-bed trailers
Cargo should always be secured to the vehicle using the Cargo SafetyWeb or Cargo Net. Cargo safety is a driver responsibility. Cargo that falls onto roadway creates an immediate hazard to other motorist and motorcyclist. Remember, drivers who lose a load are legally liable and may face stiff fines, jail time or possibly a lawsuit for negligence. Take a few minutes to secure loads properly.

Sport utility and crossover vehicles
Secure cargo to the luggage rack or the vehicle interior floorboard using the Cargo SportWeb. Even if you are driving 35 miles per hour, unsecured cargo can become airborne in the passenger cabin. For instance, an ice chest may become a projectile during a sudden stop or unavoidable rollover accident.

Vans and station wagons
Secure cargo to either the luggage rack or the vehicle interior floorboard using the Cargo SportWeb, Cargo Net or Cargo SafetyWeb. Even if you are driving 35 miles per hour, unsecured cargo can become airborne in the passenger cabin. For instance, an ice chest may become a projectile during a sudden stop rollover accident.

 

Click on the link below to review the NSC daily trip inspection requirements.