HomeMy WebLinkAbout060418 Secure Your Load Week%R11
Denis Law Mayor
15
Proc(amation
Whereas, in 2004, Robin Abel, a Renton resident, began her campaign to bring awareness to the
danger of improperly secured loads in vehicles after her daughter was severely injured by debris
from an unsecured load; and
Whereas, in 2005, due to the tireless efforts of Robin Abel, Washington legislators adopted what
has been called "Maria's Law," which makes it a misdemeanor and criminal negligence if all or part
of a load shifts or falls and causes substantial bodily harm to another; and
Whereas, in 2015, President Obama signed a five-year National Transportation bill that included
what Abel called "her paragraph," which pointed out the dangers of unsecured loads and
encouragement for states to address the issue; and
Whereas, according to a recent study by the AAA Foundation for Safety, more than 200,000
crashes in the past four years were caused by road debris, plus road debris resulted in
approximately 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths between 2011 and 2014; and
Whereas, we recognize the profound suffering and loss of those harmed by unsecured loads, and
stand with those critically impacted by such instances of avoidable tragedy;
Whereas, all drivers must recognize their responsibility to make safe and considerate choices
while driving, and driving with an unsecured load presents danger to the travelling public; and
Whereas, the simple, routine act of securely affixing every load makes our roads safer for all
drivers, and these precautions should not be overlooked;
Now, therefore, I, Denis Law, Mayor of the City of Renton, do hereby proclaim June 6-12, 2018, to
be
Secure 2'our Load Week
in the City of Renton, and I encourage all citizens to give serious consideration to their safety and
the safety of others when transporting materials in their vehicle on our roadways.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Renton to be
affixed this 4th day of June, 2018.
Denis Law, Mayor
City of Renton, Washington
Renton City Hall, 7th Floor 1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 980: