The hidden dangers in your car
We know talking on the phone while behind the wheel, speeding and drink driving are dangerous, but there are also some less obvious hazards in your car. Here are four we found.
1. The tissue box
We’ve debated this one in the office. Can a tissue box really be that dangerous? Most people have left a tissue box in their car behind the passenger seats on the parcel shelf, ready for when hay fever hits, or when the kids are making a mess with their squeezy yoghurts.
However, this can be a dangerous place to leave them as they might fly forward if you have to stop suddenly.
How would you like a tissue box, with its surprisingly sharp corners, hitting you in the head when you slam on the brakes? While it’s unlikely that a tissue box will be deadly, it still has the potential to cause injury. It’s best to put the tissues in the boot or keep an on-the-go travel pack in your glove box or centre console.
2. The fluffy dice
You’ve just bought a new car and you want to hang some fluffy dice, or an equally eye-catching trinket, from the rear-vision mirror to celebrate your purchase.
Think again. Keep those dice for a game of Monopoly or Yahtzee because hanging items from your rear-vision mirror can be a hazard.
Items like fluffy dice and even air fresheners can block your view while you’re driving, potentially causing a crash.
It’s also illegal. According to the law, the driver of a car must have a clear view of the road, as well as to the sides and rear of the vehicle. You risk a $215 fine and $99 Victims of Crime Levy if you’re driving a motor vehicle without a clear view of the road.
While we’re talking about objects obscuring motorists’ view while driving, make sure your dashcam and phone holders are positioned so they’re not in your line of sight.
3. The ill-fitted steering wheel cover
When I was a teenager, the steering wheel in my old Camira was deteriorating so I decided to purchase a cover to protect it from the elements.
Unfortunately, the cover was a bit too big for the steering wheel. Occasionally, as I was turning a corner, my hands would slip off the steering wheel. Not having control of the car for that split second was enough for me to promptly return the cover to the store.
Another concern is that a steering wheel cover can interfere with your car’s airbags. If the cover is too thick or not securely fastened, it can prevent the airbag from deploying properly in the event of a collision.
To reduce the risk, choose a steering wheel cover that is the correct size, fits securely and is made from a material that won’t slip.
It’s also important to note that some car-seat covers may impact the ability for seat-mounted airbags to deploy. So, make sure you check the car-seat covers are compatible with your car.
4. The groceries
You’re in a rush leaving the supermarket and shove the bag of groceries on the back seat of your car before driving off.
You’re leaving the car park when suddenly a pedestrian walks in front of your car, causing you to slam on the brakes.
The groceries tumble out of the bag and scatter across the floor. While nobody was harmed, it’s quite common for groceries placed on the back or passenger seat to fall when you hit the brake.
The best option is to either place your grocery bags in the boot, or on the floor.
