A bus full of Bellevue High School Football players turned on its side last weekend when it swerved to avoid a ladder in the middle of the freeway. If the ladder had been secured properly, the bus accident could have been avoided.

"It [the bus accident] was a good reminder, especially considering the holidays with people carrying Christmas trees, to properly secure your load," said Washington State patrol officer Kevin Zeller.

Dan Kinley, a former West Seattle resident, and his business partners Trevor Colby and Mike Walters, are trying to solve the dangerous problem of road debris in the most simple, user-friendly way possible: the TarpX

TarpX is a "load control system" for pickup trucks and trailers that "fits in a stuff sack and goes on extremely easy," said Kinley.

It's made out of 400D rip stop nylon, the same material used to make a hiking backpack, and it is adjustable. It keeps cargo both covered and secure and it is water resistant.

In 2004 Maria Federici nearly died in a car accident caused by a piece of furniture that flew out of the bed of a truck.

Since Federici's accident, it is now a gross misdemeanor if an unsecured load causes injury. Drivers are responsible for their own load safety.

If you have witnessed or been victim to load loss, call 911 as soon as possible.

To prevent accidents, consider ways to secure your load safely.

Story ideas? Contact Liz Sternberg at liz.sternberg@yahoo.com.