RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Tiffany Elliott Erbach 757-925-1660 tiffany.erbach@VDOT.virginia.gov Bryan Moore 757-925-1515

HRO-05-88 Dec. 16, 2005

VDOT URGES MOTORISTS TO PROPERLY SECURE ITEMS BEFORE HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Unsecured loads lead to crashes and back-ups

SUFFOLK — Before you load up the kids and the car for the holidays, the Virginia Department of Transportation(VDOT) reminds motorists to make sure that new mattress set for grandmother is properly secured. This time of the year, many people are putting Christmas trees, and other large items on top of their vehicles or in the back of pick-up trucks, and VDOT crews see an increase in debris on the interstates. When items are not properly secured, they can lead to accidents, traffic tie-ups and worse.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, junk on our roadways causes at least 25,000 crashes and more than 80 deaths a year in the United States. Those statistics hit home here in Hampton Roads where tunnel crews have already responded to more than 1,000 debris related incidents this year, causing traffic stoppages and delays at our region’s busiest crossings. On top of stoppages at tunnels, VDOT crews are also closing lanes to clear large debris from the interstates. In November alone, crews responded to more than 200 debris related calls along the roadway. If last year’s numbers are any indication of what to expect this holiday season, crews should prepare to respond to nearly 100 calls this December.

“People don’t accurately assess wind strength when a car is traveling 55 plus miles an hour down the interstate,” said Stephany Hanshaw, Facility Manager of the Smart Traffic Center. “Too often, rope is not strong enough to withstand the stress or items aren’t secured well enough and come loose.”

Some suggestions to combat the problem include:
• Have such items professionally delivered
• Ensure items placed in the back of a flat bed or pick-up truck are tied down and secured
• In all cases, use very strong rope, tied tightly and strategically
• Do not over load

“It’s important for people to remember that an improperly secured load carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500,” added Hanshaw. The most common items that cause problems on Hampton Roads highways are mattresses, ladders and furniture. If you see hazardous debris or see an incident that needs attention, call the Highway Help-line 1-800-367-ROAD.


(END)