Cars play a crucial part in people’s lives. Since most of us spend much time travelling in them, finding ways to improve our driving experience is of grave concern. This is where car accessories come into play. We generally use accessories in cars for convenience and comfort.
But, some accessories are a double-edged sword as they impact the safety, comfort, and functionality of cars despite benefiting us in some ways. However, safety comes first in cars and should never be compromised. That’s why we think everyone should avoid these five car accessories and prioritise safety above everything. Read on as we explain why these items can be bad for you.
Dummy seat belt buckles
Dummy seat belt buckles, also called “seat belt buckle extenders” or “seat belt buckle clips,” are an item that is becoming increasingly popular in cars today. People use them to stop the seat belt warning chime or to make it appear as if they are wearing it when they’re not. Since seat belt warning sounds can irritate some drivers, dummy buckles are inserted into seat belt receptacles to prevent the system from creating alerts.
However, using these buckles can threaten your safety during collisions because you would be driving without a seat belt. This can also lead to legal trouble and rejections of accident insurance claims since tampering with or modifying safety features like seat belts is a punishable offence under road safety regulations.
If you are caught driving without a seat belt, you may be fined or imprisoned, and your insurer may reject personal injury claims if they find dummy buckles in your car.
Dashboard cover
Like dummy buckles, dashboard covers are also a popular car accessory. They do this mainly to protect the dashboard from sun damage and prevent dust accumulation. Some use dashboard covers for aesthetic reasons — improving the look and feel of the car’s interior.
However, using these covers can be dangerous. They could prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying properly during a crash, leading to serious injuries.
Excessive car decorations
Car decorations come in various forms. Some people put decals on their windows and windshields, while others hang ornaments and mini-toys to add personality. While a few personal decorations are totally acceptable, excessive decorations can be dangerous, as they distract and obstruct the driver’s view of the road and could potentially lead to accidents.
Besides, you should avoid cluttering your car’s dashboard with personal items like papers, phones, etc. If you habitually put too many items on your dashboard, you might be compromising your safety on the road.
Large seat cushions or covers
Another common accessory that people use in their cars to improve comfort and driving experience is seat covers and cushions. There’s no doubt that these items can provide comfort, especially on long drives. Nonetheless, excessively large or bulky ones can affect the proper deployment of side airbags and reduce the effectiveness of your seatbelt.
Remember that your car’s airbags may not function properly for various reasons, including using seat covers. Therefore, procure covers and cushions from trusted suppliers and manufacturers. Choose designs compatible with your car’s make and model and ensure they do not compromise safety at any cost.
GPS mounts
GPS mounts are one of the must-have car accessories. However, as essential as it is to have one in your vehicle, the placement and positioning of it matter. A common problem with most GPS mounts is that they obstruct the driver’s view of the road. This is largely due to their design and mounting requirements.
Some models can easily be attached to your car’s air conditioner vent, guaranteeing an obstructed view of the road, while others need to be placed on your dashboard or, worse, on the windshield. Of the three types, avoid those that will hinder your road view, as it could lead to accidents, especially during poor weather.
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