Presence of mind
Drivers are urged to think out of the box ahead of their Christmas travels
SCOTS motorists getting into the Christmas spirit are being warned of unusual hazards they might not have considered – ranging from badly packed cars to festive foods to avoid.
Many family drivers will “play Santa” over the coming days by loading their cars up to the roof level with passengers, pets, luggage and gifts before heading off to see loved ones.
A survey from the RAC has revealed Brits drive an average of 450 miles over the festive season – the equivalent of journeying from Glasgow to Southampton.
But experts have warned that loose items such as presents can turn into deadly missiles travelling through the cabin at a terrifying 65mph if you have a collision or have to slam on the brakes.
Research commissioned by secured luggage manufacturer Fixeta showed that in an accident at 37mph, loose items in a car multiply their weight by 56 times.
This means a standard “carry-on” size bag, tipping the scales at 10kg, would hit a driver or front seat passenger with the equivalent weight of an adult bull (500kg).
Select Car Leasing boss Graham Conway said: “Christmas is the most likely time of the year to have the car packed to the rafters with all sorts of items and people.
“But these overloaded vehicles can create a unique danger if certain steps are not followed. We urge people to use anything from bungee cords and gaffer tape to lash down anything loose to make sure it does not become a potential killer.”
Meanwhile, GSF Car Parts researchers are highlighting Christmas feast treats that can cause either discomfort during a long journey afterwards or else help you to make good progress.
The list of items to avoid includes “pigs in blankets” as the sausage and bacon are fatty, hard to digest and can impair your brain function. Christmas pudding, full of sugar and a dash of alcohol, is also likely to make you feel drowsy.
Party foods such as potato skins and chicken nuggets, alongside the Boxing
Day turkey curry and oranges are all likely to cause serious indigestion that can be dangerously distracting while driving afterwards.
But on the positive front, turkey meat is full of protein and nutrients to give you an energy boost, while smoked salmon aids digestion and concentration.
Other driver-friendly delights include nuts and dark chocolate, which can enhance alertness when you are on the road.
GSF Car Parts spokesman Mark Barclay said: “Christmas is the perfect time to indulge but, if you’re driving on the day then you need to watch what you eat.
“Many of us drive long distances to visit relatives and loved ones over the festive period and, with the threat of ice at this time of year, it pays to be extra cautious when travelling.
“Get into the habit of checking over your car for signs of wear and tear, and always test your lights, brakes and wipers before you set off.”
However, despite the ongoing Covid crisis, it would appear many motorists are really gearing up for Christmas by decorating their cars.
Insurance comparison website Confused.com checked out Pinterest data and found nearly 3500 motorists had put festive wreaths on their cars.
A further 2300 had proudly photographed Christmas gift boxes on their roof racks, while vehicles bedecked in bright festive lights are also hugely popular.
But Confused.com also reminded people that while decorating your motor may make for a great photo, it could breach traffic laws and invalidate your insurance.
So giving your wheels a bit of festive pizzazz and then photographing it for posterity is probably best kept to your driveway or garage – so that we can all all enjoy a merry Christmas.