WHEREAS, The State of California is the nation’s most populous state with 38.8 million residents and growing; and

WHEREAS, Traffic in California has become more congested in recent years, resulting in an increase in road debris and automobile collisions; and

WHEREAS, Ethan Hawks, a 17-year-old senior and football star from Whittier Christian High School, was a victim of a tragic accident in the County of Orange caused by a heavy piece of metal escaping from another vehicle and striking the car that he was riding in, ultimately taking his life; and

WHEREAS, All residents of California should recognize the dangers of driving, and be accountable for their habits while in a vehicle; and

WHEREAS, Section 23114 of the Vehicle Code prohibits a vehicle from being driven on a highway unless it is constructed, covered, or loaded so as to prevent any of its contents or load from escaping from the vehicle; and

WHEREAS, The commonsense, routine act of securing every load protects the lives of California residents, and this precaution must not be overlooked; and

WHEREAS, The State of California recognizes and honors the profound suffering of those harmed by unsecured loads; and

WHEREAS, The State of California stands in solidarity with persons impacted by those instances of avoidable incidents caused by unsecured loads; now, therefore, be it