Luggage in the cabin and crash risk
How to reduce the risk from loose luggage in the cabin.
Luggage in the cabin can become very dangerous during hard braking or a collision. Even small objects gain great force when the car stops suddenly, so you need to think about securing cargo inside the car as well.
What you need to know
- Loose cargo in the cabin can seriously injure both the driver and passengers.
- The rear seat and parcel shelf are not safe storage places for heavy objects.
- The way you pack the car also affects visibility and balance.
Typical situations
| Situation | What you should do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday driving with shopping bags | Place and secure the load so it cannot slide forward. | Leaving heavy items loose behind the front seats. |
| Holiday trip with a full car | Use the boot systematically and secure the heaviest items low down. | Stacking high enough to make the rear window useless. |
| Children and equipment in the back seat | Keep loose items away from the children and their seating area. | Leaving bottles, tablets and other items unsecured. |
Common mistakes
- Underestimating the force of a small object during emergency braking.
- Packing too high and losing rearward visibility.
- Assuming the seats alone will always stop the load.
How to practice
Combine this with Loose cargo in the passenger compartment , Holiday travel by car - luggage and roof box and Securing cargo and passengers .