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Let’s face it, for most of us, there are enough pressures in everyday family life, without having to worry about the safety of our kids when they’re with us in the car. Obviously, there are things which you have to consider when out on the road, whether that’s a weekend camping trip, a family holiday or just a run out to the shops.
For most parents, the choice of a child seat is, quite rightly, one of the major considerations. But with all the information now out there, that choice isn’t always as easy as it may seem. However, there’s an often overlooked aspect of car safety for which there’s a simple solution. One which could significantly reduce the very real risks associated with carrying loose cargo in the rear of your car.
Each year, thousands of drivers and passengers are injured, some of them very seriously, by things which, in most other circumstances, would prove completely harmless. The kind of things you could find in most cars at one time or another.
That’s because, in the event of a frontal collision, any loose items will travel through the car’s cabin at the same speed the vehicle was travelling at before impact. Perhaps more worrying is the fact that they will also be many times their standing weight. Which means that even something as insubstantial as a bottle of mineral water from the weekly shopping could prove fatal. When it comes to bulkier items, such as holiday luggage, baby buggies or camping gear, the risks are far greater.
One way that you can ensure everything is securely kept in place is by fitting what is commonly known as a dog guard. Despite its name, it’s certainly not just for pet owners, and can be one of the most important accessories you ever fit in your car. Especially if you’re carrying a child in a rear-facing seat. Basically, it’s a barrier which sits between the boot and the rear seats, halting the progress of items in the rear of a car in the event of an accident.
Now, there are many makes of dog guard on the market, but the safest are those made specifically for the model of vehicle you drive. Although there are lots of ‘one-size-fits-all’ guards out there, they cannot compete with the strength of tailored guards. Buying a product designed to fit many vehicles may be cheaper, but it really could turn out to be a false economy, especially when compared with the added peace of mind you’ll have from a well-made, vehicle-specific guard.
Leading the way in vehicle-specific versions is UK company, Travall, who design and manufacture more guards of this type, for more makes and models, than any other company in the world. So, what’s so special about the Travall Guard? Well, the major advantage it has over the cheap, universal versions is that it will fit perfectly. After all, it’s been made using the exact dimensions of each specific car. And there’ll be none of the annoying rattling you get with some ‘one size fits all’ guards. It also means installation is simple. In fact, a Travall Guard can be fitted in around 10 minutes. It’s also quick and easy to remove too when not wanted on a journey.
Travall pride themselves on engineering excellence, design innovation and use of the best available materials. The Travall Guard is made from laser-cut and precision-welded mild steel, with a unique nylon-powder coating which, as it’s three times thicker than that of other guards, makes it extremely scratch resistant. Their use of centre-line welding also ensures there are no burrs or sharp edges and, by using an oval profile for their guards, as opposed to ones with hard edges, Travall have increased both strength and rear visibility too – again, features not found on competitor guards.
When it comes to choosing a guard for your car, there are literally hundreds of options on the market – from low-cost universal guards to expensive dealer-fitted ones. But, if you’re at all concerned about the dangers of travelling with both kids and unsecured cargo, the Travall Guard should be at the top of your list.
Of course, as family life often involves fully loading the car for daytrips, weekends away and annual holidays, fitting a Travall Guard will also help you make the best use of the available boot space, particularly if combined with a Travall Divider, which allows you to create two distinct areas in the boot.
Why not check out this link to see whether one will fit in your car. You can also enter this competition to win one (worth £125) too!
NB: This post has been created in collaboration with Travall Guard.
This competition is open to residents of the UK.
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