Homebound Travellers Must Know: Risks of Carrying Excessive Cargo on Vehicle Roof

Jakarta — When travelling for Lebaran homecoming, journeys using private vehicles are typically characterised by cars filled with various types of luggage. Many homebound travellers utilise vehicle roof racks to place suitcases, cardboard boxes, and additional bags because cabins are already full with passengers and cargo.

However, the habit of carrying excessive belongings on a vehicle roof actually conceals safety risks that must not be taken lightly, particularly during long-distance journeys on toll roads.

Excessive load on the roof makes the vehicle feel heavier and handling diminishes because the centre of gravity shifts, making vehicle manoeuvrability considerably riskier.

“Logically, if cargo is already placed on the roof it certainly represents overload, since there is no more space in the cabin. So the vehicle’s weight is doubled, from cargo and passengers. One can imagine that because of the weight, automatically the effects will be far-reaching,” said Sony to Kompas.com recently.

Beyond reduced handling, excess cargo also dramatically increases braking distance, meaning the risk of accidents during sudden stops is substantially higher.

If not anticipated, this condition can result in serious accidents, as changes in centre of gravity increase the risk of vehicle rollover during manoeuvres. Consequently, tyres risk bursting and triggering accidents, whilst cargo falling from the roof can endanger other road users nearby.

“On average, once on the toll road with accelerator pressed, drivers do not care about cargo carried on top; if it falls and hits another driver that consequence is fatal,” Sony said.

To ensure safety during Lebaran homecoming, travellers are advised to avoid stacking excessive cargo on vehicle roofs to minimise accident risk caused by overload.