Fan Articles for Car Safety in the European Football Championship
During the European Championship on June 14th, you can expect an onslaught of football-related merchandise, including products for vehicle decoration. Cars are no exception and get adorned with passion and enthusiasm. However, not every product for your car is safe or legal.
The Mobility Club ACE and the Expert Organization GTU have been conducting safety tests on various car decoration items for fans. These tests were conducted at speeds of up to 130 km/h on a track. The verdict: not all items are safe for fast driving, and some are downright dangerous. They also suggest checking the seating and holding qualities of the products before every ride and adhering to the manufacturing recommendations.
Here are some popular items and the test results:
Magnetic flags and side window flags:
Using magnetic flags at high speeds doesn't affect safety. These fully magnetic flags performed well in the test. Sticking flags of the right size on the hood is fine, but be mindful of the manufacturer's instructions for safe usage. The same goes for side window flags. However, some extra caution should be exercised while overtaking. There's a risk of missing pedestrians or cyclists during shoulder checks, which could lead to accidents.
Fans and wind socks for the car roof:
Fans on the car roof are not recommended for high-speed driving on the highway. While the fans didn't fall off during the test, the fabric of one flag came loose, and the test specimens bent. ACE and GTU worry that the holders might become porous over time due to sun exposure, leading to potential breakage. These fans are better suited for city driving, and provide a more aesthetically pleasing look in traffic.
Fan fins and mirror socks:
Fan fins on the car roof are not recommended for high-speed highway driving. Although the fins didn't move from their positions at 130 km/h, ACE and GTU suggest using them in city traffic. If the fins aren't straight or there are strong side winds, they can fly off and turn into dangerous projectiles. The same goes for mirror socks or flags, which are designed to be pulled over the outer covers of the side mirrors. These items are loose-fitting and can slide during the ride, obstructing the view in the mirror. The legalities of their usage are also in question as these mirror socks might block essential turn signals or assistance systems.
Interior decorations:
You're welcome to beautify your car's interior with fan items, but ensure that the driver's windshield and rear windows remain clear. Keep everything mounted in a way that doesn't block the driver's 180-degree view and doesn't obstruct the side mirrors. Additionally, drive more cautiously during overtaking and lane changes.
Read also:
- In preparation for the European Football Championship 2024, it's essential to consider safety, even for soccer-related car decorations. An advisor suggested checking the seating and holding qualities of fan fins and mirror socks before every ride to ensure they don't obstruct the view or become hazardous due to traffic accidents.
- While tests revealed that magnetic flags and side window flags are generally safe for football enthusiasts driving during the competition, additional caution should be taken during overtaking to prevent collisions with pedestrians or cyclists.
- After assessing various car decoration items for fans, the Mobility Club ACE and the Expert Organization GTU concluded that fans on the car roof are not suitable for high-speed driving on the highway due to potential fabric damage or breakage of the holders. They advice using these fans in city traffic instead.
