What aspect of the load must be checked before driving?

Confirming that the load is secured and evenly distributed is critical for safe driving. An unsecured load can shift during transport, potentially causing the vehicle to become unstable, leading to accidents or loss of control. An evenly distributed load helps maintain the vehicle's balance, which is particularly important for handling, braking, and overall stability. If the load is heavy on one side, it can cause the vehicle to veer off course or may lead to tire blowouts due to uneven weight distribution on the axles.

While ensuring that the load is covered from rain, verifying the appropriate weight, and checking if the load is visible from all sides are important considerations, they do not directly impact the immediate safety and handling of the vehicle as much as securing and evenly distributing the load does. An improperly secured load poses an immediate risk when on the road, making it the top priority during pre-trip checks.