Are you keeping your refrigerator safe? Tips to avoid fines and accidents this summer

Summertime invites us to the beach and the pool, but the way we transport our summer items in our cars can become a serious risk. We must pay attention to the most common mistakes drivers make when loading their vehicles with items such as mattresses, umbrellas, hammocks, or coolers. These mistakes not only lead to significant fines but also seriously compromise safety.

One of the most common mistakes is carrying small items such as coolers, towels, or beach bags in the back seats. The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) warns that these items can be thrown into the air in the event of sudden braking or an accident.

According to Norauto, a simple 4-kilogram bag, for example, can impact with the force equivalent to a 158-kg ostrich traveling at 50 km/h, or even a 512-kg fighting bull traveling at 90 km/h. The solution is simple: all these items should always be in the trunk.

Another common mistake is not deflating floats or mattresses. In addition to the risk of punctures, if transported inflated, they can seriously impair the driver's visibility, especially if they are in the back seat or exceed the height of the trunk seatback. It is essential to inflate them at your destination.

Randomly distributing cargo in the trunk is also unwise. To ensure safety and maximize space, the heaviest items should be stored low and in the center of the trunk, distributing the weight evenly if there are several large items. If the rear seats are empty, fastening their seatbelts can prevent cargo from shifting into the passenger compartment in the event of an impact. In SUVs or 4x4s with a connecting trunk and passenger compartment, a dividing grille is highly recommended.

Failure to properly secure heavy and bulky objects in the trunk is a real danger. An unsecured refrigerator or hammock can move suddenly, unbalancing the vehicle. It's vital to use straps or cargo straps to properly secure the load.

For extra luggage, many opt for roof boxes or trunks, but it's crucial to install them according to the manufacturer's instructions and distribute the weight evenly inside. For long items like surfboards or kayaks, transporting them across the seats is a serious mistake. The safest way is always on the roof rack (roof bars), well protected with covers and protectors.

Finally, it is vital not to exceed the permitted dimensions for cargo protruding from the vehicle (10% if divisible, 15% if indivisible). Furthermore, all transport devices used (roof racks, bicycle racks, etc.) must be approved and compatible with the vehicle model. If the load obscures the license plate or lights, additional lighting and signaling devices are mandatory, as well as the V20 plate, which is essential when the load protrudes more than 10%.

Norauto concludes by reminding drivers that when carrying extra luggage or using a roof rack/trunk, drivers must adapt: reduce speed and brake earlier, as this increases the safety distance. The driver's freedom of movement and visibility of the lights and license plate are essential at all times.