The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has the motto “We keep Utah moving” as they tirelessly strive to give Utahns transportation system choices so folks can safely get where they want, when they want, in the way they want.
They have their hands full maintaining the roads over at UDOT, work literally never ends, and they took to social media to vent a bit of frustration after an recent unnecessary complication arose due to a case of illegal, and potentially explosive, roadside dumping involving a half-full 100lbs propane tank:
“It shouldn’t have to be said, but don’t do this. It’s not just annoying, it’s downright dangerous.”
UDOT did not resort to fiery swear words, rather they issued a decidedly flowery condemnation of the culprits that stings far worse than course language:
“To the person who left a half-full propane tank on the shoulder of the freeway: may your pillow always be warm and may you hit every red light for forever.” -Utah Department of Transportation
UDOT launched the “Keep it Clean, Utah” campaign to address the 1,800 annual crashes caused by unsecured loads and litter. Some of the PSA videos are quite funny but the $2.5 million annually spent to clean up roadside debris is no joke. Remember folk, pitching trash on the side of the highway is not only disgusting, its can be dangerous. Do your part to keep Utah clean and if you see a hazard on the freeway that is an emergency and you should call 911 or county dispatch. UDOT will send their folks to come clean it up.
ESSENTIAL SAFETY TIPS FOR SECURING YOUR LOAD:
- Use ropes, straps or chains. Avoid using bungee cords, twine and string
- Ropes should be used with a type of anchor – suggested knots are bowline, trucker’s hitch and double fisherman’s bend
- Close boxes, bags and containers before securing
- Cover anything loose, especially leaves and yard waste, with a tarp
- Use zip ties to secure tarps to vehicles and trailers
- Keep items below the top edge of the truck bed or trailer
- Use cargo netting only for smaller items
- Before departing, conduct a final inspection of all straps, ropes and ties to ensure everything is secure
- After traveling a short distance, stop and check to make sure nothing has loosened
