BOISE, ID – A driver traveling on Interstate 84 near Boise narrowly avoided a major highway disaster after a sheet of plywood strapped to the roof of an SUV became airborne, flying like a massive kite at highway speeds.
The Airborne Spectacle
The entire incident was captured on video by local resident Oscar “Moosie” Williamson, who was returning from working on a cabin with his son, Parker, heading toward Nampa.
According to Williamson, one piece of lumber had already flown off the vehicle before he began filming. As the SUV picked up speed on I-84, the remaining sheet of plywood began lifting and flexing dramatically, acting as a giant sail.
Oblivious Driver and Bungee Cords
Despite the dangerous cargo situation, the driver appeared completely oblivious, likely distracted by the radio or GPS. The motorist continued changing lanes and signaling while the plywood hovered precariously above the roof.
The makeshift securement setup surprised onlookers:
- The load was held down primarily by a collection of basic bungee cords.
- A seemingly random bra was spotted hanging from the SUV’s side mirror.
- Experienced highway drivers immediately recognized the danger, backing off and giving the SUV a wide berth.
The vehicle eventually pulled over safely after exiting the highway. Williamson approached the driver to alert him, who admitted he had only just realized something was wrong with his load. No crashes or injuries were reported.
The Danger of Unsecured Loads
While this incident ended without injury, highway safety experts warn that bungee cords are entirely inadequate for securing large, flat items like plywood.
At speeds above 40 mph, a horizontal sheet of plywood generates significant aerodynamic lift. Under Idaho law and federal guidelines, drivers are legally responsible for properly securing all cargo. Failure to do so can lead to steep fines, civil liability, or criminal charges if an unsecured load causes an accident.
