Dont just throw your belongings in the boot
Posted by Susannah Myers
With this weekend providing the final summer Bank Holiday for another year many of you will be packing the kids and everything you need into the car and heading off for some sun.
While it is tempting just to throw everything into the boot and get on your way, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has said it is crucial to take the time to pack the car correctly, making sure everything is secure and will not move around once you set off for your well deserved summer break.
A car full of loose equipment and luggage can cause a number of problems for passengers and the driver alike.
Objects moving around the car can be particularly distracting for a driver and should the driver need to brake sharply, the last thing you need is a load of heavy luggage flying forward into the cabin of the car from the boot.
Simon Elstow, head of driver training at the IAM, said that packing heavy items at the bottom of the boot is advisable as this will limit the likelihood of them moving around in the car.
He also recommended taking as little as possible – we all know we usually end up taking things we don't need – so when space is tight it is best to leave items that you think are unnecessary.
A car fully-laden with all your holiday possession will of course use more fuel so it is crucial to keep an eye on the fuel gauge as it may fall quicker than you expect.
Checking tyre pressures before setting off is also important as tyres on a full and heavy car usually require higher pressures, and underinflated tyres will use more fuel.
Mr Elstow added: "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."
