Secure travel with bulky cargo: Ensuring safety during your holiday journey. - Vacationing with heavy luggage: What precautions should you take?
Securing Cargo Safely for Holiday Trips: A Reminder from ADAC in Rhineland-Palatinate
As the holiday season draws to a close and many vacationers prepare to return home, the Automobile Club of Germany (ADAC) in Rhineland-Palatinate is reminding drivers to prioritize safety when transporting heavy loads. Over the weekend, two incidents occurred in the region — a car colliding with a fallen sofa on a federal road near Bad Kreuznach on Friday evening, and a trailer detaching from a car in Dorsheim on Sunday.
To ensure a safe journey, ADAC advises drivers to secure their cargo safely, distribute the weight evenly, and comply with legal load limits. Here are the key points:
- Distribute the weight evenly: Keep heavy items low and balanced to maintain vehicle stability.
- Use appropriate securing devices: High-quality straps, nets, or bungee cords can help hold cargo in place firmly. Ensure all attachments — including roof boxes and bike racks — are properly mounted and locked according to the manufacturer's instructions and legal regulations.
- Roof boxes: Check the max load capacity of both the roof box and car roof rails, and secure the box tightly. Avoid exceeding weight limits to prevent damage or loss of control.
- Bike racks: Ensure bikes are well-fixed and stable to avoid movement. Use additional straps if necessary.
- Check local traffic laws: Compliance with the Straßenverkehrsordnung (StVO) is crucial. ADAC stresses that every driver must ensure cargo is safely secured before departure.
- Final safety check: Perform a final safety check after loading, looking for any loose items or insecure attachments.
- Drive cautiously: Maintain adequate distance and cautious driving to accommodate for altered vehicle handling due to extra loads or roof attachments.
ADAC mandates drivers to ensure the vehicle’s safe condition and load security as per § 23 StVO, under German law, to avoid fines or accidents. It is advisable to consult ADAC’s official website or local offices in Rhineland-Palatinate for detailed, region-specific guidance.
In addition, the permissible total weight listed in the vehicle registration must not be exceeded. It's recommended to weigh the vehicle-trailer combination before departure, for example, at ADAC testing centers or public scales. Roof boxes should be loaded up to the specified roof load, according to ADAC guidelines.
Improperly secured cargo can lead to dangerous situations and potential hefty fines, as warned by the ADAC. The permissible support load of the trailer hitch must be adhered to for trailers, caravans, or boat trailers. The support load of trailers, caravans, or boat trailers affects the rear axle and must be included in the weight distribution.
When loading a vehicle, heavy items should be placed as low as possible and close to the vehicle's center, while light luggage should go on top. Emergency equipment like a warning vest, warning triangle, and first aid kit should be easily accessible and not stored under luggage. Bike racks at the rear significantly increase the load behind the rear axle.
Holiday travelers are also reminded to secure their luggage and prevent it from shifting. Everything should be secured to prevent sliding or falling out during sudden braking or evasive maneuvers. When traveling with a trailer, the permissible trailer load of the towing vehicle should not be exceeded.
After loading, it's crucial to check and adjust tire pressure. Drivers are advised to be mindful of their surroundings and drive cautiously to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey home.
To maintain a safe lifestyle during holiday travel, it's essential to adhere to the community policy outlined by ADAC in Rhineland-Palatinate, which includes securing cargo appropriately. This includes distributing the weight evenly, using appropriate securing devices, checking local traffic laws, and ensuring compliance with legal load limits.
Moreover, it's important to remember that improperly secured cargo can lead to unexpected car accidents and hefty fines, so it's recommended to prioritize travel as a part of your lifestyle that involves careful planning and safety precautions.
