Think safety when driving with heavy luggage

By dpa | 18 June 2019


BERLIN: It sounds romantic: throw your luggage in the car and head off on your roadtrip vacation. However, there are a few rules to packing your car that, while not so spontaneous, help keep you safe.

Heavy suitcases and bags should be loaded first into the boot, and then any extra luggage should be packed tightly as possible onto the backseat, according to Tuv, a leading inspection agency in Germany.

To stop things from moving around, secure them with a net or straps.

Loading your car incorrectly is not only dangerous while you're on the road, but in some places can lead to fines if you're caught.

Restraining systems or protective bars between the backseat and the luggage compartment in station wagons prevent the luggage from becoming a deadly projectile should you need to suddenly brake.

If you don't have such a protective barrier in your car, stack your luggage no higher than the upper edge of the backseat.

Loose items, such as a small umbrella, a smartphone or keys, should be securely stored in the corresponding trays or in the glove box.

And lastly: Make sure your first-aid kit or hazard triangles are stored where they're easily reachable - ie, not under a luggage pile.

Keywords