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AIBU?

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Original poster

Taking 5th passenger in boot of car!

54 replies

laptopshmaptop · 13/05/2017 18:14

I need help quickly.

I was supposed to be running DH and 3 friends somewhere tonight but, at the last minute, a 4th friend has joined them and DH still thinks it's ok for me to run them... with one in the boot of estate car! It's a 25/30min drive.

I am not happy. I have read that it invalidates your insurance and it's not bloody safe! They could get a train (20 mins) then get a 5min taxi to the venue. But DH thinks this is a massive pain in that arse. And they need to get a taxi back (approx £40 between 5 of them).

It's a festival-type event so there is likely to be a police presence all around.

AIBU for not wanting to break the law???

OP posts:
Original poster
laptopshmaptop · 13/05/2017 18:29

Thank you everyone.

He can't drive as he's had a drink already. Train station is an 8 min walk from our house (and I have short legs) so it's not like they are stranded without me!

OP posts:
spacecowboy99 · 13/05/2017 18:30

There is absolutely no way I would do this.

Rainbowshine · 13/05/2017 18:35

Could you take them to the station in two goes? Only if you feel like it, mind you!

BlahBlahBlahEtc · 13/05/2017 18:37

8 minutes?!? Get 'em to walk!

SnapCrackleOutOfIt · 13/05/2017 18:37

When we were kids we used to love travelling in the boot. But you're right mega dangerous

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 13/05/2017 18:38

No way.

topcat2014 · 13/05/2017 18:39

This was OK in 1970s, but we didn't even have seatbelts then in the back!!

Have you ever been rear ended OP. The boot vanishes to nothing. It is there to crumple and protect the passengers.

A definite no from me.

Garlicansapphire · 13/05/2017 18:40

We used to do this quite a lot when kids - mostly quick short journeys, back from the beach etc. But I seem to remember going on long trips too with sleeping bags in the estate bit - down to cornwall or the Isle of wight. I never see it now so I guess its no longer acceptable and you'd get in trouble.

HeartsTrumpDiamonds · 13/05/2017 18:42

Not on your nelly.

TittyGolightly · 13/05/2017 18:42

I've done that, but not for about 10 years.

SailAwayWithMeHoney · 13/05/2017 18:43

I've ridden in the boot before, and in the back of a transit van, and wedged down in the footwell in the back more recently than you would think Blush BUT, absolutely no way. It's stupid, dangerous, and ultimately your license should you be caught!

SheSaidHeSaid · 13/05/2017 18:46

Absolutely no way would I do that. I used to do idiotic stuff like that when I was a tenner but km older and wiser now, plus I know what awful things could happen if an accident should occur.

Topseyt · 13/05/2017 18:47

No, he can get the train with his friends.

You are only allowed to carry the exact number of passengers you have proper seats and seatbelts for.

Stand your ground and refuse. I once had to do this with MAIL, who could not understand why she couldn't just carry an additional child on her knee.

Topseyt · 13/05/2017 18:48

MIL, not mail. Stupid autocorrect.

Rosieposy4 · 13/05/2017 18:50

ShesaidHesaid. Did you grow up to be a £20 note?

SemiNormal · 13/05/2017 18:55

Rainbowshine - Just read that link, how heartbreaking, can't believe someone would be so damn wreckless with other peoples lives!

OP whatever happens do not do it. It's just not worth the risk and it'd be you who winds up in trouble or loses their license.

BarbaraofSeville · 13/05/2017 18:55

It wasn't OK in the 1970s. Far more people were killed in road accidents than there are today, despite there being far fewer cars on the road.

nannybeach · 13/05/2017 18:56

You driving your rules YOUR licence on the line, no way!

Ishoos · 13/05/2017 18:58

Please don't, the consequences of even a low impact collision could be life changing.

skiploom · 13/05/2017 18:59

My parents used to put me in the boot when I was a child. We crashed once, and because I was in the boot with lots of sharp tools lying around I nearly lost an eye and I now have a big scar on my face. Not safe.

BurnTheBlackSuit · 13/05/2017 19:00

ShesaidHesaid. Did you grow up to be a £20 note?

😂

AnathemaPulsifer · 13/05/2017 19:19

Cars were different back in the 70s and 80s when we did this. Laws were less strict, accident fatality rates were far higher and crumple zones had not been invented. Remember how bumpers used to be really blinking sturdy? If you're driving, you're responsible for any laws broken.

AlexaAmbidextra · 13/05/2017 19:48

You do know that overloading a car causes it to handle differently. That's why you read about accidents where too many kids have loaded into a liitle hatchback and spun off the road, often with tragic consequences. Also if another vehicle rear-ended you, the one in the boot would have very little protection.

Redglitter · 13/05/2017 19:50

Definitely not. You'll be the one in trouble when the police stop you. An 8 minute walk is a damn sight safer

Original poster
laptopshmaptop · 13/05/2017 19:53

The story in that link is heart-breaking.

We always travelled in the back of my parents' hatchback with the seat folded down, with sleeping backs and pillows...and long distances too! (Like 5-700 mile journeys). We were so lucky nothing ever happened, but that was before seatbelt laws (and common sense apparently) were brought in.

Since I last posted, the rest of his friends have arrived and when he was suggesting he could go in the boot, they were all horrified at the suggestion! Felt so smug at their reaction

Seems DH needs to review his stance on certain things! Grin

They've booked a taxi there and back.

And now I can have a rum with them Wine

Have a lovely Saturday night MN jury, I am grateful for your replies.

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