Traveling at just 35 miles per hour, a head-on collision can cause a one-pound article to strike at someone with about 100 pounds of force. This can break bones and even cause life-threatening injuries.
Books, cell phones, and eating utensils can all become deadly weapons. Buckling up kids in the car seat is great. But, what do with miscellaneous items on the floor or the seats, or even the family dog?
Most SUV’s and minivans lack a standard containment area for cargo. People usually place items into open cargo areas. This creates a significant hazard in a collision.
I recall reading about an SUV accident where a mother was transporting several large boxes of tools stored in the cargo area behind the back seat. A child was strapped in a booster right behind the mother. This seemed all well and safe. However, when the SUV smashed into a similar vehicle, the tools blasted forward with tremendous force, breaking the back seat supports. The child was thrown into the rear of the front seat. Sadly, he was pronounced dead shortly after the paramedics arrived.
You can easily prevent a similar tragedy from ever happening to you. Just place cell phones, CDs, books and coffee cups in the glove box and console compartments.
Keep your dash free from clutter.
Place larger items, like laptops and groceries, in the trunk. Or, put them in the cargo nets of your SUV or minivan. Back-seat items can be placed in the pockets on the back of the front seats. This will keep them secure in the event of an accident. And, of course, always remember to buckle up.
Accidents can happen to even the best drivers. Please take these precautions seriously.
Gregg L. Goodman, LUTCF is the CEO of the Gregg L. Goodman Insurance Agency, Inc. He is an agent for Farmers Insurance and provides life, health, homeowners and auto insurance, as well as commercial insurance programs. He can be reached at 661-254-6739.