Kevin the Marmot: ‘Secure your load’ before it becomes a danger on the road

Kevin, the anti-littering marmot, is back this month with a new message from the Washington Department of Ecology. As summer travel and home projects ramp up, Kevin is encouraging drivers to take a simple step to prevent serious consequences: Secure your load. Last year, there were 324 traffic crashes caused by unsecured vehicle loads and 13 injuries, according to data by the Washington Department of Transportation and Washington State Patrol. At the end of June of each year, the data is maintained and finalized.

These crashes are completely preventable. Everyday items like a loose tarp or a mattress can become dangerous instantly when they hit the roadway, the Ecology Department said in a news release.

To help drivers, the Washington State Department of Ecology launched a new public service ad featuring “Kevin the Marmot,” who — while playing the part of your conscience — delivers a quick masterclass on properly securing a truck load. The video shows how straps, nets or tarps can prevent dangerous debris from ending up on the road. The video is available for media use and social sharing.

The Secure Your Load for Safer Roads campaign and news ads with “Kevin the Marmot” launch this month in coordination with National Secure Your Load Day on June 6.

“Every unsecured item on the road puts people at risk,” said Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller. “Taking a moment to secure your cargo is one of the simplest ways to prevent crashes and protect lives.”

The Washington State Patrol will conduct emphasis patrols across the state during the four weekends in June, focusing on unsecured loads and educating drivers. In 2025, troopers contacted 5,759 motorists and issued 4,606 citations and written warnings related to unsecured loads.

“Safe travel starts with every driver doing their part,” said Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste. “Properly securing your load helps prevent dangerous roadway hazards and protects everyone traveling on our roadways.”

Drivers can face fines ranging from $50 to $5,000, with higher penalties if unsecured loads lead to injury or property damage. Beyond crashes, unsecured loads are a leading contributor to roadside debris. Each year, millions of pounds of litter accumulate along Washington’s roadways, with nearly 40% coming from items that fall or blow out of vehicles.

Led by the Washington State Department of Ecology in partnership with the Washington State Patrol, Washington State Department of Transportation, and Washington Traffic Safety Commission, the campaign focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of unsecured loads and encouraging drivers to make securing their cargo a routine habit.

“Everyone can do their part to make Washington roads safer this summer,” said Mark McKechnie, policy and communications director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. “Ensuring loads are tied down and fully secured is an easy step we can all take to protect one another on the road.”

Throughout June, agencies will share safety tips, conduct outreach and remind drivers that securing a load takes just a few minutes.

Before hitting the road:

• Tie down all items with rope, netting or straps.
• Cover loads with a tarp.
• Double-check that nothing can shift or fall.

If you see debris or an unsecured load that poses an immediate danger, call 911.

More information

• Watch Kevin’s video, “Loading the Truck”, to see how to properly secure a carload.
• To learn more about this campaign, please visit SecureLoadsWA.org or SujetaTuCargaWA.org.
• Call 911 if you see a dangerous unsecured load or something fall from a vehicle.
• Learn more about Ecology’s litter pick up and prevention programs or visit WSDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway volunteer program webpage to lend a hand cleaning up roadside litter.
• The national Secure Your Load safety campaign was started by Robin Abel, a Washington resident whose daughter was seriously injured by an unsecured load. Her advocacy helped spark stronger laws and broader awareness of this preventable danger.