Carrying a load of items in the back of your pickup truck? It’s important to keep those items firmly in place, and prevent them from spilling out along the way.

Securing loads is important for several reasons, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Whether transporting items in the back of a pickup or securing equipment on a commercial motor vehicle, every driver is responsible for making sure their load doesn’t fall apart.

With secure loads, traffic crashes decrease and drivers ensure Alabama’s roadways stay clean and litter free.

ALEA is joining forces with People Against a Littered State (PALS) to educate citizens and visitors in effort to save lives, prevent litter and help keep Alabama beautiful.

ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said in a press release, “We are extremely grateful to have been given another opportunity to partner with such a great organization as Alabama PALS. This new safety-focused initiative enables ALEA and PALS to keep our scenic roadways clean and free of litter in conjunction with preventing hazardous debris from falling off vehicles to ensure motorist safety.”

“In 2022, ALEA first teamed up with PALS to develop Litter Law Brochures, which were distributed by our Public Affairs Officers at safety events and placed in our Driver License Examining Offices across the state to help spread information and raise awareness.”

Executive Vice President of Alabama PALS Spencer Ryan said about the partnership with ALEA in a press release, “PALS is honored to continue this partnership with ALEA as we strive to make the roads, highways and interstate systems of Alabama cleaner, safer and more beautiful for all citizens of Alabama, as well as those who travel to and through our great state.”

He said litter and debris on the roads present unsafe situations for motorists, and the cost to remove debris is expensive for taxpayers.

“Alabama PALS annually supports volunteer groups from every corner of Alabama in the removal of highway litter and debris, and we want to thank ALEA for their support and pledge to assist in continuing and furthering the commitment of Law Enforcement playing a major role in making Alabama truly ‘Alabama the Beautiful’ through the enforcement of the Alabama Criminal Littering codes,” he added.

State laws allow fines up to $3,000 for misdemeanor littering charges.

For ALEA’s tips on how to secure loads, click here.