Munich  - Suitcases and other heavy objects should be well fastened inside a car as they could turn to deadly projectiles in an accident, Germany's automobile association ADAC has warned.

A crash test was recently conducted by the ADAC with a station wagon packed with various barbecue utensils. In a collision at a speed of 50 km/h the equipment including a 45 kg bench increased its mass fifty-fold to 2,250 kg with other objects such as a beer box full of drink exploding in a cloud of glass splinters.

Most of the objects shot through the front seat or the car windscreen and would have caused serious injury to human occupants. Dummies were used in the test.

In a similar crash test conducted with the objects properly fastened and secured in the car the effects were minimal, the technicians concluded.

Here are some tips for motorists:

In principle all loose objects should be stored in the boot. If this is not possible they can positioned in the floor area between the rear and front seat or in the floor area of the front passenger seat.

Clamping belts are best used to fasten suitcases and other objects in the rear of the car.

Pets, especially bigger dogs, are best fastened with belt systems obtainable in most pet shops.

Stable dividing nets should be used in station wagons. (dpa)