One of the reasons you may love your car is that you can throw everything inside, hit the accelerator and be on your way in seconds. Compare that to the limited space of a motorcycle or bicycle, where you must carefully pack everything into small spaces. If you take public transport, you are restricted by what you can carry in your hand and on your back.
The problem is, throwing things into a car can be deadly if you crash. Imagine you are driving home after picking your children up from school. Another car jumps a light and cuts across you, causing you to crash. As your front fender impacts the other vehicle, your seat belts hold you in place. Your front and rear air bags deploy, preventing your heads from hitting anything.
The problem is, the danger does not stop there. While you and the kids may stay put, all those loose items inside your car will become airborne. The heavier they are, and the greater your deceleration, the more force they carry. If one of them hits you or your children, they could cause a severe injury. Flying objects inside vehicles have even killed people.
One survey found that the average car has 4.3 loose objects in the cabin. If your cabin is open to your trunk, there could be even more. Think about the things you carry in the car that you do not secure. Here are some common ones:
- Dogs
- Tools
- Groceries
- Gym bags
- Water bottles
Now consider what damage one of these could do if it hit you in the head. Strapping items down or using a cargo barrier can reduce the chance of injury.
If you are injured in a car wreck, be sure to seek medical care. You may have injuries caused by the initial impact or by flying items. You could be facing extensive medical bills and other expenses. A personal injury attorney can help you explore your legal options, such as recouping your medical expenses, lost wages and more.