Wash. Gov. Signs Bill Aimed at Preventing Loads from Falling on Highways

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire recently signed a bill aimed at preventing loads from falling on highways.

Substitute House Bill 1478 makes it a crime to fail to tie down or otherwise secure a vehicle’s cargo if the failure causes personal injury or property damage to someone else. “For anyone who has ever found themselves driving behind dangerously unsecured loads, this bill is long overdue. Hopefully, it will save lives,” Gregoire said.

This bill is an effort to address the harm caused to people like Maria Federici, where the failure to secure a load causes a person severe physical injury. Federici, who was injured when a piece of furniture struck her car, was present for the bill signing, along with her family and friends.

In addition to punishing the person responsible, it also would make victims eligible for benefits under the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program.