Securing a horse inside the car trunk safely for transport
In the Aachen region of North Rhine-Westphalia, a driver was recently found transporting a pony in the trunk of her pink car during a traffic control in early September, initiated by the Alsdorf district police.
The driver believed her pony was securely fastened with a rope tied to a metal hook in the car. However, the officers prohibited her from continuing her journey, citing the improper transportation of the animal.
According to the police authority of Aachen, ponies should not be transported in the trunk of a car but in a horse trailer instead. This is due to the potential dangers associated with such transportation.
In a frontal collision at 50 km/h, an unsecured or improperly secured pony could be hurled violently against the driver's seat, potentially creating a life-threatening situation. In fact, a pony weighing 150 kg could suddenly weigh up to 7.5 tons in a crash, posing a significant risk to the driver and the pony itself.
The police are reminding drivers about the proper cargo securing, as ponies do not belong in the trunk of cars. They advise that cargo should be evenly weighted and form-fitting without gaps in the cargo area. A safety partition grid or net should separate the passenger compartment from the cargo area, being suitable for the vehicle and installed correctly.
Moreover, heavy objects in a car's trunk should be placed on the bottom, lighter ones on top. In the event of cargo exceeding the top edge of the backrest, it should be secured or the cargo load reduced.
The police also emphasised the importance of safety belts. They recommend fastening safety belts on the backseat, even if no one is sitting there. This is to ensure that any cargo is secured properly in case of a collision.
The police authority of Aachen has decided to address the issue of cargo securing in motor vehicles following the incident involving a horse in the trunk of a car. They provided advice on proper load securing in cars after the event.
Additionally, drivers are reminded to adjust tire pressure and headlight settings according to the cargo. A warning triangle, vest, and first-aid kit should be kept readily available in the car.
A warning fine of 35 euros was offered, but the driver refused to pay on the spot. A fine procedure has now been initiated due to the driver's refusal to pay the warning fine.
This incident serves as a reminder to all drivers to prioritise safety and follow the proper guidelines when transporting cargo, especially animals, in their vehicles.
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