The proverb prevention is better than cure, attributed to Erasmus of Rotterdam, emphasizes the importance of taking early and necessary measures to prevent a situation from leading to misfortune. When we get behind the wheel, it is essential to apply this principle, since prudence, respect for traffic rules and anticipation can make the difference between a safe trip and potential road risks.
One of the situations that require the most caution is loading a vehicle. The way we place and secure cargo is essential to maintaining stability and safety during the journey, so poor cargo handling can lead to serious consequences, including rollovers or accidents.
We can see it in the following video where we can see how the trailer of a vehicle behaves significantly differently depending on the distribution of the weight of the load.
Before loading the trailer, it is essential to verify that the total weight does not exceed the permitted capacity. For example, with a type B driving license (car license) you are only allowed to transport a maximum of 3,500 kg of maximum authorized mass. However, in the case of other types of license, such as the type C driving license, which qualifies the driving of heavy-duty vehicles, a higher maximum authorized mass would be allowed to be transported.
Additionally, it is very important that the center of gravity of the trailer is in front of the wheels to achieve optimal leveling. To achieve this, it is necessary to place the load as close as possible to the trailer axle. This way, even if the leveling is not perfect, it is guaranteed that the front is lower than the rear.
To load the trailer safely we must place the heaviest objects first. Next, we will evenly distribute the weight from near the trailer axle outward, avoiding leaving empty spaces, with the aim of reducing the risk of overturning.
Likewise, we must make sure not to overload the front area to avoid possible loss of vehicle control and place the heaviest load at the bottom of the trailer and the lightest at the top, always respecting the established weight limits.
As the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) emphasizes, the cargo must be secured so that it cannot be dragged or moved in a dangerous manner. Various types of belts are used in cargo transportation to secure cargo. They differ in thickness and width; The wider they are, the greater the load they can accommodate.
It is also advisable to cover the load with tarps to protect it from weather conditions, such as sun or rain, and to improve support, especially for smaller pieces. These tarps must be secured with straps or guy wires.
If we do not take the precaution of placing the load correctly, the vehicle responds less efficiently and safely. A poorly placed load negatively affects the stability, performance and braking capacity of the car as we have seen in the video images.
When the weight of the load is poorly distributed, the vehicle easily loses control, sways and can tip over. The accident could have untold consequences if it occurs on a busy road and at a high speed.
One thing to keep in mind is that when a car is loaded, the brakes must cope with that extra weight. It is advisable to moderate your speed when traversing a descent to avoid putting excessive stress on the brakes. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that braking distances in emergency situations will be much longer, so a greater safety distance from other vehicles must be anticipated and maintained.
