Tasmanian Heavy Vehicle Driver's Handbook - Transport

7If you need to place a load back from the headboard to distribute weight,the load should be blocked so that it cannot move forward. Unless it isblocked, even the heaviest load will move forward if you stop suddenly.• Securing the loadThe following information is a guide only. Detailed information on securingyour load is available in the Load Restraint Guide.The way your vehicle is loaded is very important for your safety and for thesafety of others. You are legally responsible for your load and any damageor injury it may cause.Driving over bumps in the road, around curves and corners, andaccelerating and braking can cause your load to move. The force of animpact can move a load that is unstable or not properly secured and youcan lose control of your vehicle.The weight of your load should also be evenly distributed so you cancontrol your vehicle properly.Load restraintsA load restraint system on a vehicle should be capable of restraining thefollowing percentages of the weight of the load from shifting -• 20 per cent upward• 80 per cent forward• 50 per cent rearward• 50 per cent sideways20% upwards and 80% forward.Tasmanian Heavy Vehicle Handbook 83