By: Billy K.

I used to use my car as a mobile closet since I sometimes need to change into my work clothes after school. Naturally, I often forget to bring home some articles of clothing along with pens, bags, water bottles and a multitude of other items. Eventually all my forgotten items end up piled in the back seat and scattered in various places in my car. Last week I learned how important it is to keep loose items secured to save them from possible damage – and protect myself from being impaled by them.

It was raining and I was driving the speed limit – 80km/h during rush-hour. The lanes were packed with cars as we approached a set of green lights. As I got closer to the intersection, a driver swiftly cut out from behind me, then just as quickly, sped up along my right and cut in front of me – about 200 to 150 meters away from the now yellow light!

The driver would have had enough time to safely make it through the yellow light, but instead, braked so hard the nose of his car dove down. I heard my ABS grinding as I slammed on my brakes. The tires slid on the wet road as I held on tightly to my steering wheel. I was thrown against my locked seat belt and my personal belongings were thrown with me. My clothing, pens, and general clutter came hurtling into the front seats. My water bottle, school bag, laptop and lunch landed in the passenger-side foot-well. We all came to an abrupt stop a couple of meters behind the car that cut me off!

I was relieved I wasn’t in a collision, then frustrated about the mess! I waited until I got to school to gather up my stuff. I checked my laptop to make sure it was still functioning, which it was – thank heavens. Unfortunately, my soup container was not so fortunate. It had opened and my backpack and floor mats were soaked in vegetable soup. I was not impressed. When I got home, I sorted my car stuff. I secured the necessities in the glovebox and trunk, and took all my extra stuff inside.

This week I encountered nearly the exact same situation on my way to work – this time at a stop sign. Thankfully my belongings were secured and my lunch didn’t spill all over the place since I placed my bag on the floor behind the passenger seat to keep it from tumbling forward. Lesson learned and my advice to you. Check your car for loose items that could get thrown or damaged if you’re forced to brake suddenly to avoid a crash! Remember to drive safe!