Securing loads

It's a matter of course for most drivers: fastening the seat belt before driving off. Anyone failing to do so endangers his safety and risks receiving a fine. The same applies for loads being transported in and on the car. Here as well, the driver risks his health and a fine if he does not secure the load properly.

“The load of a car or a motorcycle must be secured for normal driving i.e. for emergency brakes, evasive manoeuvres and on poor roads,” explains Dirk Hartenberger from the police advisory center in Mainz, Germany.

Better informed

Did you know,

• that in Europe the main reason for about 25 percent of truck accidents is inadequate cargo securing?
• that, at 50 km/h, a normal 1.5 litre PET bottle can become a “projectile” with a force of around half a ton?
• that insurance cover is endangered in the event of an accident due to an unsecured or inadequately secured load? Depending on the circumstances, the insurer can claim gross negligence and refuse to settle the damages.