Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department The warm weather is a good time for many people to move furniture or other large objects over the roads. One person mentioned they were moving to a new apartment and planned to use a pickup truck as the primary means of transportation. Other than securing the items in place, is there anything else that should be taken under consideration? All loads that are transported in open pickup trucks need to be secured in a proper manner. This should include tie downs (ropes, straps, etc.) and proper coverage. This can include tarps or other similar coverings. Loose items can fly from the vehicle and could potentially cause an accident or simply litter the roadway. Be sure whatever you are transporting is stable and can withstand a sudden shift, in the event you need to take some evasive action while driving. Anything unstable could fall from the vehicle or, if it is heavy enough, could cause your vehicle to overturn. These are certainly situations to avoid. When it comes to large articles that may extend beyond the back of a vehicle, the law is specific on what drivers need to do. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 7 states in part “Every motor vehicle or trailer so operated which carries a load or object extending four feet or more beyond the cab or body of such vehicle shall display at the extreme rear end of such load or object a red light plainly visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the sides and rear, and shall display in place thereof a red flag or cloth not less than twelve inches square during the period when motor vehicles are not required to display lights.” The open tailgate of a pickup truck is counted in the total distance. This may be used to stabilize an object during travel. It is still counted in the total distance under the four-foot rule for a red flag during the day and red-light during headlight use hours. |
It is always a good practice to exercise extra caution when it comes to transporting items over the roads. Additional ropes or even more trips may be warranted in some cases. You must consider your safety, the safety of other travelers, and the protection of the items you are transporting. A few extra precautions can be important in preventing accidents or injuries.
Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St., Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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