Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is advising on packing for the drive to university.
Pack belongings securely – loose objects can be distracting and if the driver needs to brake sharply, unsecured items can fly forward and hit people in the front.
Pack heavy items in the boot whenever possible.
Make loads as small as possible. It is important that nothing blocks your view through the rear window.
Always pack so that everyone in the car, and especially the driver, has room to move. Feeling cramped causes stress and makes the journey unpleasant.
A full car uses more fuel due to additional weight, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge.
Check tyre pressures before setting off. Tyres on a full and heavy car usually need higher pressures.
IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “It’s that time of year when the younger generations pack up their study books and head out on the journey back to university after the summer. If you’re getting there by car, make sure you don’t overload your vehicle – you can always make another trip home after a couple of weeks if needs be (what better excuse to get a home cooked meal!).”
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