When loading and transporting vinyl siding, what is one important practice to follow?

Being a defensive driver is crucial when loading and transporting materials like vinyl siding. This practice involves maintaining awareness of the driving environment, anticipating potential hazards, and adjusting driving behavior accordingly to ensure safety. Vinyl siding can be cumbersome and may not be secured as tightly as other cargo, which could shift, making the vehicle's handling unpredictable. Defensive driving helps in managing such situations by allowing the driver to react calmly to unforeseen events, such as sudden stops, changes in traffic patterns, or road obstacles.

In contrast, using only one winch may not provide adequate support for the load, increasing the risk of it shifting during transit. Over-tightening straps can cause damage to the siding, especially if it is not designed to withstand excessive pressure, and could also loosen during the journey, leading to a dangerous situation. Loading all siding from one side only can create an imbalance, affecting the vehicle's stability and handling. Therefore, being a defensive driver is the most important practice to follow in this context, ensuring that safety is prioritized while transporting potentially unstable cargo.