A family of four has had a miraculous escape from death or injury, thanks to a cargo barrier fitted to their four wheel drive.

The vehicle was destroyed in the accident, near Mackay in north Queensland, but the occupants were astounded at the support the Milford cargo barrier offered in the way of rollover protection, as well as preventing cargo from flying into the passenger compartment. Among equipment stopped in its tracks by the barrier were a car fridge/freezer and a sewing machine weighing 20 kg, both potentially lethal weapons if they had not been restrained.

The 4WD's owner, Barry Deacon, said his 18 year old daughter was driving the vehicle and she over-corrected when it hit the gravel edge of the bitumen. The Landcruiser "end for ended", and landed about 50 metres off the road in a table drain. Barry, his wife and their two daughters all escaped with only minor bruising.

Barry, a Mackay property valuer who travels vast distances, said "The cargo barrier is worth every cent, and I would not have a station wagon or a 4WD without one."

"You don't realise the level of technology involved in cargo barriers until you have an experience like we did. I'm glad ours was a Milford cargo barrier, with Australian Standards approval."

The Deacon family has since purchased another 4WD and had a Milford cargo barrier installed immediately.

Details of the Milford range of cargo barriers can be obtained by calling 1800 683 577

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