Have you ever wondered what is going by you on the highway contained inside heavy transport vehicles?

The transportation of dangerous goods rules require that the larger loads be marked with placards to identify the cargo. In the event of an emergency involving these vehicles, first responders can easily identify the cargo and decide what to do.

You can do this, too. Simply note the four-digit number shown on the placard, visit Canutec鈥檚 web site and search for it in the Emergency Response Guide On Line.

The guide will identify the dangerous cargo for you and tell you what to do if you are faced with an emergency. Rather than standing nearby rubbernecking, you might want to 鈥渉ead for the hills!鈥�

Large commercial transport vehicles are not the only ones required to follow transportation of dangerous goods rules. You and I may have to follow simple safety rules too when it comes to moving some materials in our vehicles.

The propane tank for your gas barbeque might be a good example. You must transport it properly secured to keep it upright in a well-ventilated place.

These rules are in place not only for our safety when we transport hazardous materials but also for the safety of first responders and people in the vicinity if something goes wrong.

Check with the seller of these materials, your fire department or the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement office listed in the blue pages of your phone book under Provincial Government.

For more information on this topic, visit www.drivesmartbc.ca. Questions or comments are welcome by e-mail to comments@drivesmartbc.ca.

Tim Schewe is a retired RCMP constable with many years of traffic law enforcement experience. His column appears Friday.