Traveling at just 35 miles per hour, a head-on collision can cause a one-pound article to strike at someone with 100 pounds of force. This can cause life-threatening injuries. Stopping abruptly can also turn cell phones and books into deadly weapons. Buckling up kids in the car seat is essential. But, what do you do about items on the seats or the family dog?
Most SUV’s and minivans lack a containment area for cargo. People usually place items into open cargo areas. This creates a hazard in a collision.
I recall an SUV accident where a mother was transporting large boxes of tools stored in the cargo area behind the back seat. A child was strapped in a booster to the rear of the mother. When the SUV smashed into another vehicle, the tools blasted forward breaking the back seat supports. The child was thrown into the rear of the front seat. and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
You can prevent a similar tragedy from happening to you. Place items in the glove box and console compartments. Keep your dash free from clutter.
Place larger items in the trunk. If you have an SUV or minivan, put them in the cargo net. Back-seat items can be placed in the pockets on the back of the front seats. This will keep them secure.
In an accident, an unrestrained dog becomes a projectile, risking injury to the animal and passengers. Pets should be restrained in a crate, with a harness or, for an SUV or minivan, via a wire or nylon mesh pet barrier placed between the rear cargo area and the back seat. Your local pet store personnel can assist you.
Always remember to buckle up and refrain from using a hand-held cell phone when driving. It is now California law that you can only use a hands-free device. Drivers under 18 can no longer use a cell phone when operating a motor vehicle.
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.
For more information, please call 661-254-6739.