Highway Code Rule 57 states that when in a vehicle, you must ensure any dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while driving, injure themselves if you stop quickly, or injure you. Restraints such as seat belt harnesses, pet carriers, dog cages, or dog guards are recommended to meet this obligation and ensure both the animal's and your safety
You MUST NOT overload your vehicle or trailer.
You should not tow a weight greater than that recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
You MUST secure your load and it MUST NOT stick out dangerously.
Any load should not obscure your view.
Make sure any heavy or sharp objects and any animals are secured safely. If there is a collision, they might hit someone inside the vehicle and cause serious injury.
You MUST wear a seat belt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles if one is fitted (see table below). Adults, and children aged 14 years and over, MUST use a seat belt or child restraint, where fitted, when seated in minibuses, buses and coaches. Exemptions are allowed for the holders of medical exemption certificates and those making deliveries or collections in goods vehicles when travelling less than 50 metres (approx 162 feet).
The driver MUST ensure that all children under 14 years of age in cars, vans and other goods vehicles wear seat belts or sit in an approved child restraint where required (see table above). If a child is under 1.35 metres (approx 4 feet 5 inches) tall, a baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion MUST be used suitable for the child’s weight and fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions.
ANIMALS
Do not allow them to be loose in the vehicle
Keep them under control
Don't leave them in a vehicle for any length of time, especially in hot weather.
Secure smaller pets in a carry box or cage which is secured by a seatbelt or restraining device, for larger animals such as dogs secure them with a harness designed to work with a seat belt or securing point. Or in the back or boot of the vehicle that has a grille to avoid them interfering with the driver, also ensure they are also restrained with a harness.
A loose animal can move around, jump, or even sit on your lap, distracting the driver and potentially leading to an accident.
A sudden stop or accident could cause an unrestrained animal to be thrown around the vehicle or against a window, leading to injury to themselves or other occupants.
An unrestrained animal in the car could also become a hazard to other road users in the event of a collision.
PASSENGERS
All passengers must legally wear a seat belt (unless they carry a medical exemption certificate)
Do not carry more passengers than is permitted by the manufacturer. (your insurance may be void if you do, let alone the risk of carrying passengers that will not be able to be properly restrained).
Your vehicle will handle differently with additional weight.
LOADS
Make sure packages are securely stored, preferably in the boot of the vehicle, where they should be strapped down or wedged to stop them from moving around.
If you need to carry packages inside the car, make sure that they won't move if you have to brake or turn suddenly.
Strap down any large object with a seat belt.
Don't let items obstruct your view.
Do not place anything in the drivers footwell.
Ensure nothing is on the floor that could roll and interferer with the foot controls of the vehicle if it rolled from the rear passenger section under the seats to the drivers footwell.
If you are carrying additional weight ensure that you understand that it will affect:
your speed to move off.
Your braking distance.
The control of your steering.
If you have adjustable headlights and are carrying additional weight or passengers, adjust your headlights accordingly to avoid glaring oncoming traffic.
Weight should always be distributed evenly around the vehicle. This will ensure a good centre of gravity to assist with cornering and braking.
What would happen with this picnic box in an accident?
ITEMS ON A ROOF RACK.
Ensure the roof rack is correctly fitted and secure.
If possible purchase a specially designed roof rack that is designed to carry bulky items and possibly has a lid to secure items that are inside.
This will also make the load more streamline, ensuring a better fuel consumption and make the vehicle more aerodynamic.
If you are using a traditional roof rack it is advisable to cover items with a tarpaulin to keep items contained, but ensure this is also secured so that it does not come off during a journey.
BIKE RACKS
There are various types of bike racks available nowadays. some that may attach to the roof of your vehicle, others that connect to the boot of your vehicle, and those that connect to a towing ball.
Whatever one you may be using, always ensure they are secure and that the bikes you are carrying are also secured correctly.
If you are using rear cycle racks, you must ensure that they DO NOT obscure your number plate, brake lights, side lights or indicators.
TOWING
Please see our towing page
