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.