Fast and loose? Pack your car with care

PrintE-mail

26 August 2011

 

This week IAM Drive & Survive head of training Simon Elstow urges motorists to load their cars properly before setting off with a car full of equipment, to an event or on the return from a summer driving holiday.

·         Pack belongings securely - loose objects can be distracting and if the driver needs to brake sharply, unsecured items could fly forward and hit those sitting in front.

·         Pack heavy items in the boot whenever possible.

·         Loads should be made as small as possible and positioned to enable a clear view. Keep heavy items low down.

·         Always pack so that those in the car – especially the driver – have room to move. Feeling cramped causes stress and makes the journey less pleasant.

·         Consider having the rear seat belts buckled up if you have heavy items in the boot. If you are hit from behind or stop suddenly, they can stop items moving forward, in the same way they would hold a person in place in an accident. 

·         A full car uses more fuel – keep an eye on your fuel gauge. And check tyre pressures before setting off. Tyres on a full and heavy car usually require higher pressures, and underinflated tyres will use more fuel.

 

Elstow says “When you’ve got a lot of things to pack, it’s tempting to throw the last few small items in loose. But bad packing can be dangerous and you could be prosecuted if your baggage looks unsecure.”

 

 Notes to editors:

  1. IAM Drive & Survive is a commercial subsidiary of the IAM and promotes occupational driver skills and safety for vehicle fleets businesses. IAM Drive & Survive helps employers achieve their duty of care to employees and reduce road accidents while driving on business. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycle riding and cycling.  The IAM has more than 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses.  Our policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.
  2. For information about IAM Drive & Survive phone 0870 120 2910 or visit http://www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

 

Media contacts:

IAM Drive and Survive press office – 020 8996 9777

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ISDN broadcast lines available

iam.org.uk