What can become projectile during a sudden stop?

• A. a cup of coffee
• B. an object on the rear window ledge
• C. a seat cushion
• D. a spare tire

Answer: (B)

When a vehicle comes to a sudden stop, anything not secured inside the car tends to keep moving forward due to inertia. An object placed on the rear window ledge is in the path of travel and not anchored, so as the car decelerates it can be tossed forward into the cabin, potentially striking occupants. The risk with a rear-window-ledge item is that it has a clear, unobstructed route into the passenger space and isn’t restrained. In contrast, a cup of coffee is more likely to spill than to fly forward as a projectile, and a seat cushion or a spare tire is either heavier or usually secured or located in areas less likely to launch into the passenger compartment. Keeping loose items stowed or secured prevents them from becoming dangerous projectiles.