Packing for safety on the road

There is a multitude of factors affecting the roadworthiness of your vehicle. These include tyre pressure, suspension, visibility through the windscreen, braking ability and oil. We, however, often neglect to recognise how we pack for that road trip could affect our car’s ability to drive safely on the road.

Drivers should be aware of the risks of overloading their vehicles – not only for the damage it might cause to the suspension and tyres but also for the threats to road safety as reduced driving performance or increased stopping distance.

In this section, we take a closer look at how the basics of packing a vehicle more effectively can allow us increased safety on the road.

Start packing with thoughtfulness

Pack most of your luggage the evening before you depart. This will prevent the thoughtless jamming of luggage into the vehicle when everyone is in a rush.

Bikers have a saying ‘Dress for the fall, not for the ride’.

When packing the vehicle, it is also good to consider the question ‘What can go wrong?’

• Consider how you will get to the spare tyre or an emergency kit, should there be a roadside emergency.

• Remember: Last in, first out. Organise items in the order they will or may need to be accessed.

Vehicle specifications, packing and obeying the rules of the road

We advise drivers to ask questions before they overtake another vehicle – is it legal, is it safe, and is it necessary? The same can apply to when you pack your vehicle for the road trip.

• The road rules must be obeyed; it cannot be compromised.

• The safety of passengers and adhering to seatbelt and child car seat laws must be the priority before considering where to pack luggage.

• Consider first which items must, by law, be inside your vehicle – such as the emergency triangle.

• Consider the rules of the road with regards to using your mirrors and being able to use at least 2 of the mirrors.

• Know the height and width limitations for packing luggage on top of your vehicle or extending beyond the vehicle.

• Know your vehicle’s weight limit. Adding weight can affect the performance and handling of your vehicle.

• Never exceed the maximum authorised mass (MAM)/maximum permitted weight (MPW) for the car. This is the maximum allowed based on the capability of the chassis, tyres and suspension. It includes everything in and on the car (the payload), the driver and passengers.

• You can find the weight limit for your car on the VIN plate under the bonnet or in the handbook.

• Ensure that added cargo inside or on the roof does not push your car over its maximum legal weight limit.

• Read the owner’s manual lists and specifications on the vehicle’s weight limit or the recommended tyre pressures.

Packing luggage on the roof

Many drivers are using the roof or roof racks to carry large or awkward items. There are, however, some warnings to consider:

• Not all vehicles are created equal. Consult the owner’s manual on what is appropriate or not.

• Be aware that roof loads increase the drag on the car and the addition of height and weight.

• Items on the roof should be stored in a securely attached roof box, respecting the weight restrictions of the car.

• It is generally better to carry bulky but light things on the roof and heavy items inside the car.

• Safely secure any load carried on the roof of the vehicle.

• If you are using rope, straps or hooks ensure they remain fastened every time you make a rest stop.

• Check your vehicle’s height with the roof rack packed before you hit the road.

• Keep a note on the dashboard of your vehicle’s new height for when you need to travel under an overpass or through a tunnel.

Packing for safety on the road

• Pack large, heavy items at the bottom of the boot, keeping them as far forward as possible to keep the centre of gravity low and optimise weight distribution.

• Packing heavy luggage low and tight can decrease their penetrating power in a road crash.

• Avoid packing above the line of the back seats, as this will obscure your rear view.

• Packing suitcases and duffle bags higher than the back seat can be dangerous. Not only does it decrease visibility, but it also puts passengers at risk of serious injury in a collision.

• If you must use the full height of the boot, invest in a net or other protective screen/safety partition to prevent items from flying forward.

• Pack smaller items into boxes and strap down larger ones using the car’s cargo anchors.

• Empty boxes or plastic crates can be useful in the boot to stop smaller loads from sliding around.

• Make sure items from the cargo section will not strike passengers in an emergency.

• Remain focused on the importance of having a clear vision for the road and other road users. Poor visibility contributes to many pedestrian deaths and road trauma.

• You need a clear line of sight through your front windshield and side mirrors, and if possible, through your rear-view mirror and rear window.

• An obscured rear window makes driving difficult and creates considerable risk when reversing. Without rearward visibility, there is no telling what you might crash against.

• Consider using spaces beneath passenger seats. The better you can distribute your luggage weight, the better fuel consumption and better vehicle handling you will have on the road.

Things to avoid

• Avoid using the inside of the passenger area for storing your luggage. Under emergency braking at 50 km/h, loose items can have a force of up to 50 times their weight.

• Guard against loose objects becoming projectiles, even if your suitcases are stowed safely beneath the seat line. Avoid placing objects such as laptops, books and cell phones in places where they could become projectiles during a collision.

• People are frequently hurt or killed by flying objects such as sports equipment during a road crash or vehicle rollover.

• Keep the area around the driver’s feet clear. Loose items are distracting and dangerous if, during an emergency, they slide beneath the driver’s feet and keep the pedals from working properly.