District 11

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Contact: Public Information Officer Ed Cartagena Phone: (619) 688-6670

House Gets Furnished with Items found on Local Highways

SAN DIEGO –The California Department of Transportation is kicking off this summer’s driving season reminding motorists that they are the key to keeping the freeways clean and free of debris. While small trash can be unsightly, large trash can be deadly and today Caltrans showcased a house that was furnished only with debris found on San Diego County freeways.

“Take a moment and understand just how devastating it would be for a vehicle traveling 65 to collide with these objects,” said Caltrans District Director Pedro Orso-Delgado. “The damage to the vehicle is one thing, but the potential for loss of life as the result of not properly securing a load is senseless.”

The house was furnished with several common house hold items like couches, water heaters, mattresses, desks and computers just to name a few. Among the other items placed though out the house were clothes hung in the closets, artwork and lamp fixtures to give it that lived in look.

California Highway Patrol Sergeant Bill Kirby was also on hand talking about fines and reminding motorist that to watch those that don’t have their load tied down properly.

Trash is not only deadly, it is expensive. Last year in San Diego County alone there was enough trash collected to make approximately 1800 trips to area land fills, costing taxpayers $2.5 million. In these tough economic times, that money could be put to better use.

Along with urging motorists to learn how to properly tie down their loads, Caltrans also encourages motorists to keep their fast food wrappers, soda cans and cigarette butts in their cars until reaching their destination where the items can be appropriately thrown away.

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