Driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive is offering weekly motoring tips to drivers from its head of training, Simon Elstow. This week he is advising on packing for the drive to university.
- Pack belongings securely – loose objects can be distracting and if the driver needs to brake sharply, unsecured items can fly forward and hit people in the front.
- Pack heavy items in the boot whenever possible.
- Make loads as small as possible. Make sure they don’t block your view.
- Always pack so that everyone in the car, and especially the driver, has room to move. Feeling cramped causes stress and makes the journey unpleasant.
- A full car uses more fuel so watch your fuel gauge.
- Check tyre pressures before setting off. Tyres on a full and heavy car usually need higher pressures.
IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “It’s that time of the year when many eighteen and nineteen year olds pack for university. Make sure you don’t overload your car, you can always make another trip home after a couple of weeks.”
