Hawai‘i Island police are hitting the streets with a reminder for drivers about the importance of securing vehicle loads. The law isn't new, but the focus on enforcement might be. As they point out, unsecured or uncovered loads can not only litter our roads but also create real hazards for fellow drivers. Citing the majority of roadside debris as coming from improperly secured loads, they're stressing the avoidance of potential road dangers and traffic mishaps. Just like an untied shoe can trip you up, an untethered cargo can do much worse on the highway.
In the guidelines detailed by the Hawai‘i Police Department, the process is simple: tie down cargo with ropes or straps, secure large items directly, cover loads with a tarp or netting, and double-check the stability of the load. Whether driving a pickup, a trailer, or just carting items on your roof rack, these steps are essential. And while the info is there for the taking, securing the cargo often seems to slip motorists' minds until it becomes a flying object in someone's windshield.
There's a price to pay for those who ignore these guidelines. Under Hawai‘i Revised Statutes §291C-131, drivers could find themselves forking over anywhere from $250 to $750, depending on whether they're caught in the act more than once. And the cost isn't just monetary - repeated violations can lead to license suspensions or vehicle registration woes, a reminder that sometimes cutting corners can lead back to square one.
The message from law enforcement is unequivocal: cover your loads, keep them tight, and stick to the rules of the road. The Hawai‘i Police Department is not messing around and enforcement will be stringent.
