This time of year we see plenty of cars on motorways, packed to the gunnels with gifts en route for relatives.

There is a lot to be said for packing the car with care - even if it means delaying the journey by twenty minutes or so. One of the main problem areas is the so called parcel shelf in many saloons. Drivers who actually use the parcel shelf for parcels, particularly on a long motorway journey, may not realise that they are storing up potential trouble.

Firstly, you are restricting your rear view by obstructing the rear windscreen. On a motorway, where use of all your mirrors is so important, this is potentially a problem as you will be reducing your all-round visibility. It's not insurmountable (many vans have no rear windows at all) but if you are used to driving with the rear mirror, and that is your usual driving style, you won't be able to see as much as you usually do.

Secondly, in the event that you have to brake sharply, anything unsecured on the back parcel shelf will fly forward. Parcels turn into missiles when they are travelling at 70 mph or so, and you and your passengers do not want to be struck on the head by a flying gift, no matter how carefully it's wrapped.

Actually the worst culprits for this are not seasonal - it is the drivers who store a 'handy' umbrella on the back parcel shelf in case it rains. In a crash, that loose umbrella could injure a passenger or driver in the car, regardless of any other injuries caused.

All heavy, loose items are better stored in the boot. The added advantage is that gifts are less obvious in the car, and so less likely to attract potential thieves.

Families transporting pets should also ensure they are properly secured and comfortable for the journey - it is potentially very dangerous to let a large dog simply take a passenger seat, not least because the seat belt is totally inadequate.

The drivers of HGVs and LGVs have to take particular care when they are securing the load, but the principle applies to car drivers too.