Freeloading students - pack safely
Driver safety may not be the first thing you think of when heading off to university, but the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has urged students to prepare properly before moving their worldly possessions across the country this month.
Peter Rodger, IAM Head of Driving Standards, said: “The roads are already filling up with heavily-laden, small, second-hand cars, and student drivers face risks such as fatigue, objects blocking their view and unfamiliar roads.
“When you’re packing a car with enough stuff to last you a year it’s easy to lose interest and throw the last few small items in loose. But bad packing can be dangerous if you brake, and you could be prosecuted if your baggage looks unsecure.
“University life is fantastic; students shouldn’t risk anything by packing the car badly.”
IAM advice for the drive ahead:
Pack belongings securely - loose objects can be distracting and if the driver needs to brake sharply unsecured items could fly forward and hit those sitting in front
Where possible pack heavy items in the boot, and as low as possible
Loading a car until it’s ready to burst can obstruct the already dangerous ‘blind spot’ view further, making the driver more vulnerable when changing lanes. Loads should be made as small as possible and positioned to enable a clear view. Students should take essentials on the first trip and ask their family to bring more items later if they don’t all fit in
A long drive can lead to fatigue, so drivers should get plenty of rest beforehand. For the journey wear comfortable, loose clothing. The driving seat should be adjusted to a safe upright position and the heating/air-conditioning set to a cool – not cold – temperature. You should take a break at least every two hours, and driving at night should be avoided
Having a full car will use more fuel; keep an eye on the fuel level to make sure you don’t suddenly run dry. Running out of fuel on a motorway puts your safety at risk, and it will be very expensive to call out help to top you up
Check tyre pressures before setting off. Tyres on a full and heavy car usually require higher pressure. The right pressures prevent unnecessary wear, excess fuel consumption and potentially dangerous blow-outs
Driving on unfamiliar roads can be unnerving. Sat navs can help and enable the driver to re-route quickly and relatively easily, but can be expensive. It’s always best to plan the journey before hitting the road, using a map or online journey planner