The Washington State Patrol is running a crackdown this weekend on unsecured loads.
The WSP calls it a dangerous trend: Debris flying from unsecured loads causing serious-injury accidents. Trooper Joe Armstrong blames 170 crashes, including 16 serious-injury accidents, on falling debris.
That's why he was out patrolling Friday afternoon, stopping trucks which carried loose wood, supplies, and ladders.
Armstrong is aware of the case which prompted massive attention to the issue. In 2004, then 24-year-old UW graduate Maria Federici was driving behind a U-Haul with unsecured particle board. It flew off the truck and through her windshield. Federici was permanently blinded by the incident and suffered major injuries to her face. She was awarded $15 million for her pain and suffering, and led state leaders to change the law to create more serious penalties for drivers of unsecured loads.
Armstrong was handing out tickets with a minimum fine of $228 on Friday. He said the fine could be more depending on the circumstances.
