Many Belgians get this wrong in the car: five small habits with big consequences
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, we start spending more time on the road again. Day trips, sports activities, weekend getaways: for many Belgians, the car remains the go-to mode of transport. But do we pay enough attention to our everyday safety habits in the car? In 2024, Belgium recorded 18.5 accidents and 1.9 casualties per 100 kilometres of road (source: Statbel). This shows just how important it is to make every journey as safe as possible. Beyond wearing a seatbelt, there are a number of less obvious habits that can have major consequences in the event of sudden braking.
Here are 5 tips to keep in mind:
30 seconds for a safe start
The first minutes of a trip are often the busiest mentally: you’ve just come out of a hectic situation—leaving the office or home—and your brain is still “switched on.” Many drivers lack patience and start driving while still adjusting their mirrors, GPS or music. A stressful parking experience can also raise cortisol levels and carry that tension into the first few minutes on the road.
A simple habit helps: make all adjustments and checks before departure, while the vehicle is stationary. Think of your seating position, mirrors, GPS or music. Only set off once everything is ready—this way, you start each journey with full attention on the road.
Loose items move with you
A smartphone on the back seat, a handbag on the passenger seat or an umbrella on the parcel shelf may seem harmless. Yet in the event of sudden braking, loose objects can have a much greater impact. If you’re driving at 50 km/h and have to stop abruptly, a 150‑gram smartphone can exert a force of about 7.5 kg. An umbrella on the parcel shelf can exert a force of more than 60 kg on impact and may be thrown forward.
That’s why it’s best to store loose items in the boot as much as possible. If something must go on the back seat, place heavier objects low down and as close to the seats as possible. In Germany, you can even receive a fine if items are not properly secured: €35 as a warning, or €60 if you’re stopped while driving.
A thick winter coat? Better not behind the wheel
Even in spring, chilly mornings or cold evenings can still occur. It’s tempting to keep your thick coat on in the car, but that’s not a good idea. A bulky coat creates extra space between your body and the seatbelt, preventing it from fitting snugly. In the event of sudden braking or a collision, the seatbelt will restrain you less effectively. This applies not only to drivers and passengers, but also to babies in child seats. In fact, wearing a thick coat increases the risk of slipping out of the seat during an accident.
Check your headrest before you leave
Many people share a vehicle with a partner, colleague or housemate. They adjust the seat position but forget to reposition the headrest. Yet it plays a key role in a collision. If the headrest is too low or too far back, the risk of neck and back injuries increases. The top of the headrest should be roughly level with the top of your head, with no more than five centimetres between your head and the support. The same applies to passengers in the back seat, where headrests often remain fully lowered.
Dogs should be secured in the car
A dog sitting loose on the back seat or on your lap may feel cozy, but it poses a risk during an emergency stop. Like loose objects, an animal will move forward during sudden braking. This can cause injuries to the animal itself and to passengers. Even in less extreme situations, a dog may suddenly jump or react, creating a distraction for the driver. In Spain, this can even lead to fines: travelling with an unrestrained pet may result in a €80 fine, rising to €200 if the animal distracts the driver or causes a dangerous situation.
Always choose a safe restraint system. This can be a dog harness that clips into the seatbelt system, keeping your dog safely on the back seat. A crate or carrier provides an enclosed and stable space, either in the boot or secured with a seatbelt. If you have room in the boot, a dog guard prevents your pet from jumping forward.
