Social networks show us another surreal case of negligent drivers when transporting loads in the vehicle. And in this not everything goes. A few days ago we showed the video of a motorist who, since the package he was carrying – a kind of kayak – was protruding from the interior, made his companion hold it from the back. Thus you could see the car driving while a man ran behind it holding the object so it wouldn’t fall. Well, now we have another incredible situation, which the SocialDrive platform has shared on its X profile (formerly Twitter). We are referring to that of a driver who transports a scooter in his convertible Audi.
Explained like this, no one should be surprised, since the most normal thing would be for it to be carried in a specific trailer. The surprising thing is that the motorcycle travels semi-loaded in the rear seat area. As it is a convertible model, the roof is folded into the corresponding trunk compartment, so the two-wheeled mount can protrude without any problems other than the safety problems it generates for the occupants themselves and other road users. And this is not little.
Drivers are often not aware of the real danger that transporting a poorly placed load can entail. In the event of a brake or accident it can be fatal, as it can hit travelers hard in what is known as the elephant effect. And that’s not to mention that in some cases it can cause an accident if it falls on the road.
Article 14 of the General Traffic Regulations determines that the load transported in a vehicle, as well as the accessories used for its conditioning or protection, must be arranged and, if necessary, secured in such a way that they cannot drag, fall completely. or partially or move in a dangerous manner. They must also not compromise the stability of the vehicle or produce noise, dust or other nuisances that can be avoided. Furthermore, when they are carried on the outside, they must under no circumstances hide the lighting or light signaling devices, the mandatory plates or badges and the manual warnings of their drivers.
On the other hand, the regulations establish that the load may not protrude from the sides of the car, also including the rear-view mirrors. And this is something that does happen in the case that concerns us here, since the rear third of the scooter is suspended by the side of the car.
The only way the user would have to transport the motorcycle with their own vehicle – another alternative is to hire a towing service – is by using a trailer. But to do this, the car needs to have the specific accessory for its anchoring, that is, a tow ball; and this Audi does not equip it.
Adding a trailer hitch to a vehicle requires certain changes to the vehicle documentation, so that everything is done legally. Furthermore, its installation cannot be carried out at home by an individual, but rather by qualified technicians. This is because it is a device that affects the safety of the vehicle and must subsequently be legalized in the ITV.
