Roadway Safety Alert: West Virginia GHSP Urges Drivers to 'Secure Your Load'

As part of a nationwide effort to keep roads safe, the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program (GHSP) is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to launch the Drive Safe: Secure Your Load public awareness campaign. State officials are reminding all motorists that safely securing cargo is not just a commercial trucking requirement, it is a legal and life-saving responsibility for every driver on the road.

Debris flying from or falling out of vehicles represents a major hazard on our highway systems. Across the United States, operating any non-commercial vehicle with an unsecure load is illegal, with violations drawing stiff state-level fines of up to $5,000. When loose items slide or fly off a vehicle, they become unpredictable projectiles that can cause catastrophic collisions, severe injuries, and fatalities.

West Virginia will observe National Secure Your Load Day on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Established in 2004, this annual day of awareness serves as a critical reminder of how simple preventative measures can eliminate preventable crashes caused by roadside debris.

The state enforces strict penalties for motorists who fail to tie down their cargo. In West Virginia, a first offense for an unsecure load that escapes a vehicle results in a $250 fine. Repeat offenses within a 12-month window carry escalating penalties: $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense. A third violation can also lead to the revocation of permits and potential jail time. Fines may be increased depending on the severity of the violation and whether the debris caused physical harm to others.

"A common misconception among drivers is that cargo safety regulations only apply to commercial semi-trucks," said Jack McNeely, Director of the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program. "We are aiming to shift that mindset. Every single driver has an obligation to properly anchor their cargo to protect fellow motorists, passengers, and pedestrians."

National data shows that unsecured cargo is a widespread issue, causing an average of nearly 17,000 injuries and more than 700 fatalities across the country each year. Surprisingly, everyday non-commercial passenger vehicles-like SUVs, pickup trucks, and sedans-account for 81% of these debris-related accidents.

Transportation officials note that while it is easy to skip steps when in a rush, taking an extra five minutes to inspect cargo can save a life. Before hitting the road, drivers should verify that their load is completely immobilized from the top, sides, and rear. Cargo must be secure enough to withstand sudden braking, unexpected potholes, or a collision. A good rule of thumb for drivers is to look at their vehicle and ask: Would I feel safe driving closely behind this?

• Anchor your items: Use high-quality ropes, bungee cords, or ratcheting straps to tie down cargo.

• Secure large objects directly: Fasten bulky items directly to the vehicle's frame or trailer.

• Use protective coverings: Cover loose or light materials entirely with a heavy-duty tarp or cargo net to prevent items from blowing away.

• Know your limits: Never exceed the payload capacity of your vehicle or trailer.

• Verify before you drive: Always do a final walk-around to double-check that your load is tight and secure before leaving.

To learn more about this highway safety initiative, please visit nhtsa.gov/drive-safe-secure-your-load.

For further details regarding West Virginia's local traffic safety programs, visit highwaysafety.wv.gov or contact the GHSP directly at 304-926-2509.​