05-03-2025
March Law of the Month has the Wisconsin State Patrol urging drivers to secure trailers and cargo for safety
(WFRV) – Officials with the Wisconsin State Patrol say that while there are endless opportunities for seasonal recreation, it's important to make sure trailers hauling snowmobiles, ice shacks, boats, campers, and more are safely secured.
Troopers state that the WPS's March Law of the Month: Trailer and Load Securement suggests keeping Wisconsin roadways safe by double-checking that cargo and trailers are secure and that nothing can escape or fall off and become a hazard to others.
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Officials state that it's important to heed this advice as every year in Wisconsin debris on highways and unsecured cargo causes nearly 1,000 crashes.
Wisconsin's roads are often busy with drivers hauling cargo and pulling trailers throughout the state. Drivers are responsible for making sure everything is secure and in good working condition. This is especially important as more boats and trailers come out of storage in the spring. An extra safety check could prevent a serious crash.
Superintendent Tim Carnahan
Anytime when someone is hauling a boat, camper, or trailer, the driver is responsible for ensuring it is in good, working condition and is safely attached to the vehicle.
To help make sure whatever is being trailed is safe, the following steps should be taken before hitting the road:
Make sure the trailer tires, axles, and lights are in proper working condition.
Make sure the ball and hitch coupling assembly are the same size and latch securely.
Check that the two safety chains of proper length and strength are attached between the vehicle and the trailer (with enough slack to allow proper turning).
Be sure to crisscross the safety chains as it creates a cradle that can catch the tongue of the trailer should an unexpected disconnection occur.
When it comes to securing any cargo, it is important to make sure that items such as coolers, chairs, lumber, fishing equipment, and more cannot bounce out of the trailer or truck bed.
This assures that serious crashes will not occur due to drivers needing to swerve to avoid debris on the road.
To properly secure the contents of a vehicle or trailer, be sure to do the following:
Tie it down with rope, netting, or straps.
Tie large objects directly to your vehicle or trailer.
Cover the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting.
Don't overload the vehicle or trailer.
Always double-check to make sure the load is secure.
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Officials warn that failure to properly secure a trailer or a trailer's load can result in a $200 citation that has the potential to increase should the failure lead to someone getting hurt.
For more information on the WSP's March Law of the Month, click here.
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