Drivers forced to 'swerve' clothes on M5 as roof rack bursts causing chaos

Aug 20, 2023

Drivers on the M5 in Devon had to "swerve" around clothing after a roof rack broke spilling its contents onto the road. The owners were seen looking on helplessly from the hard shoulder

Items of clothing spread across the M5 motorway forced drivers to swerve around them to avoid an accident in Devon.

At around 1pm today the busy section of the M5 between Exeter and Cullompton was covered in items including a sleeping bag, rucksack, clothing and other random items.

Witnesses say it was the result of a roof rack failure causing all the belongings to drop into the danger zone on the motorway.

One eyewitness said the owners pulled into the hard shoulder and looked at their belongings unsure of what to do. "Someone's bags are all over the M5 because the roof rack failed. They pulled over in the hard shoulder and it looked as if their roof rack had failed," they said.

"Cars slowed and swerved around the luggage. I wondered what it was at first! They were out of the car looking back at their stuff. I imagine Highways will have to close the road for a short while as it is a danger! It was over three different lanes too.

The person added: "I hope they weren't going to the airport,” reported Devon Live reported.

Meanwhile, as people head off on their summer holidays at this time of the year motorists are being warned of a driving law which could see them fined up to £1,000. Travel sickness is a common concern for many families as they visit resorts or rush to see friends and family during the school holidays.

Drivers, too, can be affected by travel sickness and are reminded to take care if they intend to down tablets to help with the symptoms. Undesirable side-effects include feeling sleepy or dizzy, a fast heartrate and blurred vision, all of which can impair the ability to drive.

The law states all drivers must have "proper control of a vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead" and so, if you're struggling at the wheel, you could break this rule - and suffer the hefty financial penalty.

The NHS highlights other unpleasant side-effects of the tablets, such as constipation and a dry mouth. In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the ingredient hyoscine hydrobromide.

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