Tips offered by ADAC for secure vehicle loading
## Securing Cargo for a Safe Journey: ADAC's Recommendations
In a bid to highlight the significance of proper loading, the ADAC Technical Center regularly conducts crash tests. These tests underscore the potential dangers of improperly secured cargo, emphasising the importance of following established safe practices.
During travel, it is essential to prioritise the safety of all vehicle occupants, and this extends to securing cargo. Here are some key safe practices for securing cargo in a car, as recommended by ADAC:
1. **Use Proper Restraints:** Always secure loose items with cargo nets, straps, or bungee cords designed for automotive use. These restraints will help keep items in place during sudden braking or a collision.
2. **Distribute Weight Evenly:** Load heavier items at the bottom and as close to the center of the trunk or cargo area as possible. This will maintain vehicle stability and prevent excessive movement during travel.
3. **Avoid Overloading:** Never exceed the vehicle’s maximum load capacity, as indicated in the owner’s manual. Overloading can compromise the vehicle's handling and braking performance.
4. **Secure Loose Items:** Ensure all items, including small objects, are contained or tied down so they don’t become projectiles in the event of a collision.
5. **Protect Fragile Items:** Use padding or soft materials to prevent shifting and damage during transit.
6. **Check Visibility:** Do not block rear or side windows with cargo, as this can impair visibility.
It is also crucial to secure items on the roof of the vehicle. Canoes, kayaks, inflatable boats, or surfboards must be securely fastened to a roof rack with ratchet straps. Drivers must be aware that the overall height of the vehicle changes with the load on the roof, which can be a problem with low clearances or in underground garages.
When packing the car, items can be packed as close together as possible to optimise space in the trunk. However, they should not be placed in the driver's footwell, as this can pose a danger to the driver in the event of a collision. If the trunk is full, items can be stored in the footwell of the rear seats or the passenger seat.
ADAC Hesse-Thuringia warns that improperly secured cargo can become dangerous projectiles during a collision. To prevent this, it is advisable to secure heavy items at the bottom and as far forward as possible, ideally in the trunk directly against the backrest.
In addition, it is important to adjust tire pressure to the new total weight of the car before starting the trip, ideally at the next gas station. Also, remember to pay attention to the carrying capacity of the used roof box system and the permissible roof load of the vehicle.
Vacationers are advised to allocate enough time for securing their cargo, as this is crucial for safety reasons. By following these safe practices, travelers can ensure a safer journey for all vehicle occupants.
While the provided results do not address stowaways specifically, the British government emphasises the importance of securing vehicles to prevent unauthorized access, but this relates to safety rather than cargo security. For ADAC Hesse-Thuringia specifics, consulting their official resources or contacting them directly remains the best approach.
In the pursuit of a safer journey, it's essential for travelers to not only prioritize securing cargo within their vehicles but also in roof-mounted carriers. Properly securing heavy items at the bottom and as far forward as possible in the trunk enhances vehicle stability and reduces the risk of items becoming dangerous projectiles during a collision.
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle also means being mindful of your vehicle's load capacity, particularly when getting ready for a vacation. Allocating enough time to secure cargo according to established safe practices ensures a more enjoyable and safer journey, without compromising the aesthetic appeal of your car or the perfection of your travel itinerary.
