What should you do to secure cargo before driving?

What should you do to secure cargo before driving?

• A. Ensure cargo is properly fastened and does not obstruct the driver’s view or controls.
• B. Leave it loose to shift with motion.
• C. Place it behind the passenger seat regardless.
• D. Only secure if it weighs over 50 pounds.

Answer: (A)

Cargo must be secured so it can’t move and won’t block your view or interfere with the vehicle’s controls. The best approach is to fasten items properly with straps, nets, or cords and arrange them so nothing can slide, spill into the cabin, or shift during braking, turning, or acceleration. If cargo can obstruct the windshield, mirrors, pedals, gear shift, or other controls, it creates a serious safety risk, even if it seems harmless at rest. Leaving cargo loose lets it shift with movement, which can suddenly jab at you or steal control of the vehicle. Placing cargo behind the passenger seat isn’t automatically safe and doesn’t guarantee it won’t move or block access. And securing only if it weighs a certain amount ignores lighter items that can still slide or topple, creating danger.

Cargo must be secured so it can’t move and won’t block your view or interfere with the vehicle’s controls. The best approach is to fasten items properly with straps, nets, or cords and arrange them so nothing can slide, spill into the cabin, or shift during braking, turning, or acceleration. If cargo can obstruct the windshield, mirrors, pedals, gear shift, or other controls, it creates a serious safety risk, even if it seems harmless at rest.

Leaving cargo loose lets it shift with movement, which can suddenly jab at you or steal control of the vehicle. Placing cargo behind the passenger seat isn’t automatically safe and doesn’t guarantee it won’t move or block access. And securing only if it weighs a certain amount ignores lighter items that can still slide or topple, creating danger.