Final answer:
Unsecured cargo is dangerous as it can lead to accidents, loss of goods, and the spreading of diseases. It also historically posed risks to maritime transport due to piracy, weather, and navigation challenges. Proper securing of cargo is crucial for safety in all transport modes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unsecured cargo is considered dangerous because it poses various risks during modern transportation. When cargo is not properly secured, it has the potential to shift, fall, or become airborne, leading to dangerous situations such as traffic accidents, damage to vehicles, and potential harm to people. This risk is not just limited to road transport but applies to ships and other cargo carriers as well. For instance, when ships carry unsecured cargo, they risk losing goods overboard, which in historical contexts, could lead to financial ruin for merchants, as well as the potential loss of life among crew and passengers. In a contemporary setting, unsecured cargo can also entail the inadvertent transportation of microbial pathogens or their vectors, which can lead to outbreaks of illness in new areas. Considering historical contexts, as noted by US Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan, a ship carrying contraband faces additional risks such as being targeted for attack. The unpredictable nature of incidents caused by unsecured cargo, such as 'uncertainty over whether a serious fire or hazard awaits after an alarm', contributes to its potential for causing extreme physical danger.
Moreover, unsecured cargo on ships historically faced threats from pirates, bad weather, and poorly charted waters. These were significant challenges that had to be weighed against the dangers of overland trade routes. However, merchants often found the risks of maritime transport less appealing due to these dangers, as well as the high costs involved in seafaring. In conclusion, unsecured cargo presents serious risks to safety, property, and, in some cases, health, which highlights the importance of proper cargo securing procedures in all forms of transport.