It becomes a “projectile” in the event of a collision. With summer vacationers at their peak, authorities are intensifying road checks, paying special attention to violations that, although common, can be particularly dangerous in the event of a traffic accident.
One of them concerns the transportation of objects inside the car cabin, such as bags, laptops or other personal belongings that remain on the seat without being secured. This practice can even lead to a fine of 200 euros, as it significantly increases the risk of injury to passengers. Experts point out that, in a collision or even during sudden braking, objects that are loose inside the vehicle receive multiple forces.
For example, at a speed of about 50 kilometers per hour, the actual weight of an object can be multiplied by up to 40 times at the moment of impact. Thus, a full bag held on the seat can hit the passengers with a force comparable to the weight of a bull weighing about 500 kilograms. Similarly, a laptop or even a mobile phone can cause serious injuries if thrown into the cabin.
Despite repeated warnings, many drivers continue to keep personal items on the seat instead of placing them in the trunk or in secure storage areas. A Volkswagen survey showed that almost one in two drivers systematically travels with various items inside the car, while less than a third use the glove compartment or luggage compartment for safe storage. Authorities remind that even small objects can become a serious threat to the driver and passengers when not properly secured.
Another recommendation from experts concerns the rear seat belts. Even when the rear seats are empty, it is recommended that they remain fastened, as they contribute to better retention of the seat backrests. This reduces the possibility of the load in the trunk moving violently towards the cabin in the event of sudden braking or a collision. This is a simple preventive action that does not take time, but which can be particularly important for the protection of all passengers during a trip.