Many of us have trusted this steel grocery hauling device with our sustenance cargo over the years. However, the species of cart here in Germany is slightly different to its American cousin.
We know that shopping carts on base tend to be more compliant to the instructions of their users. But off base, you must always be vigilant! But why is this the case? Well, the prime reason is that German shopping carts have 4 swivel castor wheels instead of two swivels castors on the front of the cart like on American ones.
The shopping cart in the picture decided to make a break for it like the baby carriage in Ghostbusters 2 and I am writing this as a public service to all members of the KMC to always keep your guard up lest you have to exchange insurance information with the not-to-happy owner of a stricken parked car.
Ye be warned!
What you can do to prevent catastrophy
We recommend the following mitigating actions
- Build your core strength. Controllability is inversely affected by the increase in weight and volume of your cargo. Muscle strains and even hernias can result from attempting to steer a heavily laden cart. Sit-ups and other core exercises can help you get your cart under control.
- Never turn your back on a loaded cart! We recommend using a buddy to provide overwatch or keep one hand on the cart. If you really want to be a nerd, you can use wheel chocks.
- Make sure that you have insurance! Germany offers insurances of all types. We’re not 100% sure, but there is probably an insurance for this purpose. You may even be able to bundle it into your current policy
- Practice cart maneuvers on slow days. Being unfamiliar with the driving characteristics of a Germany shopping cart under busy parking lot conditions can be a daunting prospect. This can be exacerbated by bad weather. Practice makes perfect!
