Why must certain hazardous materials be loaded with proper bracing and securement?

Hazmat packages must be properly BRACED and SECURED to prevent them from SHIFTING, FALLING, or being DAMAGED during transport — which could cause LEAKS, SPILLS, container ruptures, or (if incompatible materials mix) dangerous reactions. CDL hazmat. Securement keeps the load stable through braking, turning, and road bumps. PROPER LOADING also involves: SEGREGATION (keeping incompatible materials apart per the segregation table); not loading leaking/damaged packages; loading certain materials in specific positions; following package orientation markings ('this end up'). A shifted or damaged hazmat package mid-transit can turn a routine trip into a hazardous incident. Knowing why proper bracing/securement matters (prevents shifting, damage, leaks, reactions) is commonly tested hazmat loading knowledge.