With so much of our lives spent in our vehicles, and being a relatively confined space, it's easy to see how they can become cluttered.
But an untidy car can cause distractions and lead to other safety hazards.
One of the most important places to keep clear is the drivers area. Nothing should be placed in a position where it can obstruct the use of the pedals, as it could prevent you from reacting as quickly as necessary to changes in the traffic flow or potential road hazards.
An example is empty drink bottles that can easily roll around and become lodged under a pedal.
Many motorists will kick off their jandals or sneakers when driving. Its not ideal to drive barefoot but, if you do, make sure your footwear is relegated to the back seat.
Either of these items can also cause a hazard if the driver attempts to reach them to move them out of the way.
Its also vital to keep the drivers critical vision clear. When using GPS, many motorists tend to stick their phones or tablets to the windscreen, but we'd recommend attaching it to the dashboard or an air vent instead.
Avoid putting items underneath the drivers seat in case they move forward during braking. And don't balance unsecured items on the dash or in cup holders that aren't designed to fit them.
The biggest source of clutter in some vehicles can come from items that aren't often used, such as sports equipment or camping gear. Keeping these items in convenient containers makes them easier to remove if they aren't needed during the next ride.
It will also prevent these becoming dangerous projectiles if you have to stop suddenly or do have an accident
If you're connecting a device to a power supply, keep the leads tidy and make use of custom-designed solutions to house your common road trip accessories. Items such as holders for sunglasses or dash-mounted phone carriers are useful.
For those with children, toys and food crumbs are usually the main source of mess in your car. Keeping a hand-held vacuum in the garage or parking space is always helpful.
If your passenger is of the furry variety, consider purchasing a large pet hammock or seat cover. These connect to the headrests between two rows of seating and help keep pet hair or mess all in one place.
Clutter in a vehicle isn't just a physical nuisance, it can inhibit the ability to focus as well.
Keeping your car organised makes it look good, but it also feels good, too. It can increase mental concentration on the road and reduce stress, so why wouldn't you keep your vehicle tidy?
After all, it'll create a pleasant and safe driving experience for you and your passengers.