Think Twice About Bringing Common Household Items into Your Car
Most people don’t give any extra thought to putting everyday objects in their car. However, a popular TikTok account is starting conversations about car safety.
ER Emily is a physician’s assistant who educates TikTokers on medical topics. Recently, she’s posted about things she would never take in the car.
Metal straws
Emily says that metal straws can cause gruesome injuries. They can pierce the throat and damage major arteries if you’re sipping on one during a car accident. She mentions a specific unfortunate case. She claims that she doesn’t own any metal straws and would never use one in the car.
Hair claw clips
In another TikTok, Emily explains how popular hair claw clips can cause injury in a car crash. The claws, which are typically made of plastic, can actually cut or even embed into the back of your head or neck. Emily says that medical staff have had to remove claw clips from people after car accidents surgically. While rare, it’s confirmed a valid safety risk by others in the comments section who have seen this injury.
Other common items affecting car safety
People recently talked to an ER doc, Dr. Jared L. Ross, about items that might be unsafe to go driving around with. He mentioned that most office items can become projectiles and cause harm if not properly secured. Everyday objects he mentions include:
- Backpacks
- Coffee mugs
- Laptops
- Books
Dr. Ross also flagged propane tanks. Some people haul them around without safely strapping them down in the trunk or a truck bed.
Pets, food, and devices
Dr. Ross stressed that pets, food, and personal devices often distract drivers.
Ensure your pet is safely strapped in or crated so it doesn’t cause you to look away or make sudden unexpected movements.
Obviously, people should feel free to bring whatever they need into the car with them. It’s more a matter of being aware of the risk of injury and properly storing things to avoid items causing harm in an accident. If you’re worried about your car’s interior safety, just remember to put objects down and away before driving.
