Why packing your car correctly could save your life
No one wants a rogue tissue box flying through the car cabin after some emergency heavy breaking!For about three years after getting my licence, any time I would go to leave my grandpa’s house he would tell me “never drive with a tissue box above the backseat in your car, if you brake suddenly or crash it will be the equivalent of a brick hitting you on impact.”
While I never actually had a tissue box in my car or know if his advice was actually accurate what I do know is that I have never forgotten what he said and because of this I always consider what items are inside my car and how they could potentially turn into a life-threatening weapon.
But Kleenex killing machines aside, how you pack your car – whether it is a quick trip to drop the kids off at school, or a longer road trip holiday - is actually really important for both driver and passenger safety says RACV General Manager of Automotive Services, Jackie Pedersen.
“It is essential to safely pack your car to avoid shifting or falling loads, which can cause accidents and pose a danger to other drivers on the road. Loose objects inside a vehicle can also cause injuries to passengers in the event of an accident or sudden breaking,” she says.
Despite being incredibly important, how we pack a car is also often overlooked says Brooke O’Donnell from Road Safety Education.
“We quite often put a lot of thought into what to pack for a road trip but not how to pack it. Just as it’s important to make sure your car is roadworthy and in good condition for the trip, it’s important to think about how the people and things we bring into the car will impact our safety – that’s everything from the passengers we invite to the music we play and the items we pack.”
In addition to potentially posing a danger to our safety, Pedersen says that packing your car incorrectly can also be financially costly.
“Overloading a vehicle can also reduce its fuel efficiency and increase fuel consumption.[And] if you don’t properly secure your load, you may be fined, even if it doesn’t come loose. Fines for unsecured loads in Victoria can be substantial and could result in court action,” she says.
To avoid paying the price - safety or money-wise, it’s important to take into consideration your specific car model and its storage and load capabilities.
“The correct method of packing a car will depend on several factors, such as the size of the vehicle, the location of the storage areas, and the availability of roof racks or other storage solutions.
It is important to consult the owner's manual or check with the manufacturer to determine the best way to pack your specific car model whilst ensuring it is always within the vehicle's overall weight capacity,” Pedersen adds.
The following steps are recommended to help ensure that your car is packed safely and that your items are protected during transit.
- Before setting out on your journey, make a list of items you want to bring and think about how to arrange them efficiently and securely
- Distribute the weight of your items evenly to avoid overloading one side of the car
- Use straps, ropes, or netting to tightly secure items to the car's roof, boot, or back seat
- Place heavy items, such as suitcases, on the bottom to prevent them from crushing lighter items
- Pack any loose items, such as groceries or household items, in boxes or containers to prevent them from sliding around the car
- Do not block your view through the windows, as this can be dangerous while driving
And finally, O’Donnell says “increase your vigilance and alertness. Carrying a heavy load can change the way your car feels to drive and cause a feeling of stress which is a very distracting mind state. Slow down where necessary and double-check those blind spots and mirrors.”
Related: How to pack your car boot like a pro
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Related: How to do a truckie’s hitch to tie down your roof load
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