SUV Loading Tips
1 January 2001
Ten Tips Help Place Family Safety at the Top of This New Year's Resolution
List
Even the most safety-conscious and well-meaning parents filled their
family's sport utility vehicle (SUV) to the brim this holiday season, stuffing
the rear cargo area with gifts, luggage, skis, sleds and seasonal foods. Parents
may have seen recent studies that despite the rugged image, many SUVs are not
built to safely handle heavy loads. However, parents couldn't change their
packing habits because the same industry reports lacked "how-to" advice for
safe loading.
Gear On The Go -- America's expert dealer of safe vehicle and travel systems
for families on the go -- has ten vehicle-packing safety tips for SUV owners to
help ensure their safe travel on America's 160,171 miles of open highway during
2001. For America's 18 million registered SUV owners, why not put family safety
at the top of this New Year's resolution list? Like any resolution, the idea
is simple; it's sticking to these tips that could prevent death or serious
injury on the road.
1. Take time to load your gear properly, making sure all items inside the
vehicle are secured or fastened properly and cannot fall on passengers.
2. Check your owner's manuals for the weight limit of both your SUV and roof
rack to make certain they're not overloaded.
3. Long loads such as kayaks should be tied down in the front and rear.
4. If towing, contact law enforcement for local and state towing laws governing
width, length and height projections on the items you're carrying.
5. If carrying items on
your roof, place something on the inside of your vehicle to remind you of
the reduced vertical clearance.
6. Never allow items to obstruct your view in the rearview mirror.
7. Cargo should not inhibit the use of a seat belt.
8. Properly secure children 12 and under in the back seat.
9. Safely contain the family pet to minimize driver distraction.
10. Check your load each time you stop for any shifting or loosening of the
restraints.
Gear On The Go vehicle-outfitting experts also recommend carrying chains and
emergency roadside-assistance numbers for snow-bound travel. Gear On The Go
is the newest retail chain offered by Bauer Industries, the nation's largest
retailer of vehicle-outfitting gear that built the leading Sports Rack chain
eight years ago. This specialty outfitter provides customized installation
service to ensure correct use of its products and safe travels. Trained
professionals offer safety tips, install products and provide free
public-education programs (e.g., correct tire chain installation) in
conjunction with local safety organizations and law enforcement. Gear On The
Go offers the entire family hard-to-find utility products (e.g., car roof
racks, cargo boxes, pet barriers, auto-camping accessories and a new line of
exclusive products for kids on the go) for any destination and any mode of
transportation, making excursions safe, fun and worry-free. Thousands of
vehicle safety products can be purchased at the company's retail outlets at
2401 Arden Way, Sacramento, Calif., 95825. Telephone: 916-648-9200.