Driver cited for unsecured hay load

CHENEY – A Washington State Patrol trooper cited a hay truck driver June 18 on multiple load violations.

The trooper observed a semi-truck carrying the unsecured load of round bales on State Route 904, a state patrol report said. Upon noticing there were no straps securing the load, the trooper issued an out-of-service violation for endangering other people on the roads.

The patrol did not release the name of the driver even though it is public under state law.

The driver also received citations for malfunctioning trailer brakes and suspension issues.

No one was injured, but the patrol said it will be looking for unsecured loads including hay on freeways and highways.

Cheney, Medical Lake and Airway Heights all have highways and a freeway which are easy access routes for farmers and drivers transporting hay or other items such as trash and furniture.

According to the patrol website, here are some of the rules for transporting hay:

• Tie-downs must have a minimum working load limit of 4,000 pounds.Multiple tie-downs maybe substituted, provided each has a minimum working load limit of 625 pounds with a combined two tons. Tie-downs of less than 2 inches in width must use V-boards.

• Loads less than 32 feet in length, will have one tie-down across the middle. Larger loads must have them position one- and two-thirds of the length of the load.

• Loads must be well-balanced and positioned. Outside bales cannot be placed in the same direction in more than two successive tiers.

• Small bales may not be placed in the same direction of the bale above and below it more than two levels.

• No bales may exceed beyond the bed of the vehicle between the truck and trailer and no more than one-third of the size of the bed of the vehicle on the sides and rear. They may extend over the cab provided they are supported and interlocked.

• Round bales are similar to large square big bales.