Do you drive a wagon shaped vehicle - this includes a station wagon, hatchback or 4WD?  Do you have a cargo barrier fitted that complies with the Australian/New Zealand Standard; or your country's safety standards?

When cars brake suddenly,

or are involved in a crash, loose objects become missiles that can weigh up to 20 times more.  Luggage and heavier items put passengers at even more risk, especially in the vehicles described above.  They have cargo areas that open directly into the passenger area, and where the seats fold down.  Heavy luggage items, which often include solid items like strollers, porta cots, and bags of toys etc. when kids are involved, have the potential to cause serious or fatal injuries if they are not appropriately restrained.

In business, it is part the Fleet Manager’s duty of care to ensure that vehicles provided for employees are fitted with reasonable safety measures – this includes cargo barriers.  Surely as a parent, you would want to provide the same standard of safety for your children and other family and friends that you transport.  As a parent/driver, it is your duty of care to eliminate all reasonable risk to your kids/passengers.  Next time you hop in the car, do a bit of physics; look at the loose items you have in there, bags, toys, clothes, drink bottles.  For example, imagine  your kids nappy/toy bag weighing up to 20 times it’s more, then hitting you or a passenger in the head at 60km per hour, this is what can potentially happen if you have a crash or sudden stop at that speed.

Cargo barriers are as important to your child’s safety as traveling in the appropriate; properly fitted child restraint.  Most common vehicles have cargo barriers already made, and can be fitted in most areas by an approved specialist.  For other vehicles, custom fitting is also available.  The cost in Australia starts at about $500 plus fitting – a small investment when you consider the scenarios that could occur in an accident without a cargo barrier. 

Some people are concerned about the safety of cargo barriers in an accident situation where passengers may be trapped.  There are 4 bolts that take 5-10 minutes to release and move the barrier, or you can speak to the person at your local fitting station about additional methods to use in an emergency. (We plan to do this and will have the appropriate instructions laminated and in the car by the barrier at all times).

If you don’t have a barrier fitted, stack items below the height of the rear seat, secure items with ropes, ocky straps and tie downs; even if you have a sedan and you are storing things in the passenger area, ensure that they are secure.  Keep all items in appropriate cargo shelves, pockets and safety nets in the car. If the kids have toys in the back, make sure they are soft, and small whenever appropriate.  Consider fitting roof racks  or luggage pods to your vehicle if you often carry bulky or heavy items.  If you have your kids backpacks in the car after school, put them in the boot, or store them on the floor; not on the seat beside them. 

Next time you hop in the car, apply a bit of physics to the common loose items you see – i.e. your kids nappy/toy bag.  Imagine it weighing 20 times it’s current weight, then hitting you in the head at 60km per hour. Here is a website with more details – these manufacturers are well respected and provide comprehensive information in regard to cargo barrier fitting and safety and are referred to on the Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW website.  I can only think that it is an over sight that these items are not fitted by law when the vehicles are manufactured.  You will find further information on 4WD accessory and similar websites.