KEEP THE PARCEL SHELF CLEAR FOR BETTER VISIBILITY
15 December 2006 - IAM Institute of Advanced Motorists

Driving Tip No. 49 - It''s Behind You!

This time of year we see plenty of cars on motorways, packed to the
gunnels with gifts en route for relatives.

There is a lot to be said for packing the car with care - even if it
means delaying the journey by twenty minutes or so. One of the main
problem areas is the so called parcel shelf in many saloons. Drivers who
actually use the parcel shelf for parcels, particularly on a long
motorway journey, may not realise that they are storing up potential
trouble.

Firstly, you are restricting your rear view by obstructing the rear
windscreen. On a motorway, where use of all your mirrors is so
important, this is potentially a problem as you will be reducing your
all-round visibility. It''s not insurmountable (many vans have no rear
windows at all) but if you are used to driving with the rear mirror, and
that is your usual driving style, you won''t be able to see as much as
you usually do.

Secondly, in the event that you have to brake sharply, anything
unsecured on the back parcel shelf will fly forward. Parcels turn into
missiles when they are travelling at 70 mph or so, and you and your
passengers do not want to be struck on the head by a flying gift, no
matter how carefully it''s wrapped.

Actually the worst culprits for this are not seasonal - it is the
drivers who store a ''handy'' umbrella on the back parcel shelf in case it
rains. In a crash, that loose umbrella could injure a passenger or
driver in the car, regardless of any other injuries caused.

All heavy, loose items are better stored in the boot. The added
advantage is that gifts are less obvious in the car, and so less likely
to attract potential thieves.

Families transporting pets should also ensure they are properly secured
and comfortable for the journey - it is potentially very dangerous to
let a large dog simply take a passenger seat, not least because the seat
belt is totally inadequate.

The drivers of HGVs and LGVs have to take particular care when they are
securing the load, but the principle applies to car drivers too.

www.iam.org.uk

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