Loose loads make dangerous roads
You are responsible for restraining your load and making the roads a safer place to travel.
Guidelines
1. Choose a suitable vehicle for your load.
2. Position and place the load so that it is secure.
3. Use suitable restraint equipment.
4. Drive carefully, and regularly check your restraints.
How to secure your load
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Cargo barriers (the cage between the back seats and boot of a wagon) are not enough to restrain a load safely.
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Group and bundle together similar items into a more tight and stable unit.
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Use restraints when securing wooden boards. Anti slip matting prevents items from sliding, especially long items.
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Webbing straps provide quick simple restraints for light loads.
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Nets and tarpaulins may also be used to restrain lighter items.
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Loose sheets of building materials may be restrained by fitting them tightly in trays and then securing them with restraints.
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Make sure heavy items are not loaded on top of lighter items.
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Use metal or heavy duty plastic top corner protector angles to protect cartons and secure them safely.
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High and narrow items such as stacks of smaller cartons usually require more than one restraint.
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Fill spaces and gaps between piles with other items and make sure that these are restrained too.
A copy of the Load Restraint Guide - guidelines and performance standards for the safe carriage of loads on road vehicles can be purchased from VicRoads offices.
Remember to lock down your load and have a safe trip.
For more information visit vicroads.vic.gov.au/looseloads