When towing a trailer load of rubbish or furniture, checking tie-down straps is a crucial step that should never be overlooked. Properly secured cargo ensures not only that your items are not damaged, but also the safety of everyone on the road. Tie-down straps are specifically designed to keep items in place during transit, preventing them from shifting, sliding, or falling out of the trailer.
Not checking that tie-down straps are secure and tight can have serious, and sometimes catastrophic, consequences. Loose or improperly fastened straps can lead to items falling from the trailer, creating hazardous conditions for other drivers. When things fall out of trailers, these projectiles can cause accidents as drivers swerve to avoid obstacles, potentially leading to crashes, injuries, or even death. As a consequence of things falling out, this can lead to damaging other vehicles, which will involve insurance claims and financial liabilities and sometimes even legal repercussions for the driver towing the trailer.
As demonstrated in the video, even after going a short distance the straps have loosened. This is because the items in the trailer have shifted and moved into a different position which enables the straps to be tightened once again.
Properly securing your load is a must and legal requirement in Australia. Each state has different rules, so you are best to seek for state Transport departments website for their current road rules. Links to each state's Transport department are provided below.
Always check tie-down straps just after leaving, no matter how confident you are that they are tight. It’s just best practice but a necessary one. It helps in preventing items from falling out, thereby safeguarding the public and contributing to overall road safety. By taking the time to secure your load properly, you play a vital role in preventing accidents and protecting lives.