Judging from the number of road accidents involving trailers and information obtained from surveys, it looks like not many motorists know how to tow a trailer safely. Let’s find out more.1
Are you aware of the safety procedures for towing? 1
Having some experience and knowing which safety procedures to follow is vital to your wellbeing on the road and that of other motorists.
What about driving skills? 1
The driver needs to know what to do if they suddenly have to brake and how the car will behave when that happens. Towing a trailer reduces manoeuvrability. What works against having experience as a requirement is that many motorists who hire a trailer for the weekend are novices for towing.
Practice first in a parking area1
Practice makes perfect before taking the trailer on the highway, practice in an empty parking area and learn more about handling, such as reversing. Please find out how much longer it takes to come to a stop with a trailer behind you. How effective were the brakes when you suddenly tried to stop?
Trailers come in all sorts of sizes and shapes1
In this article, only the tiny trailer that is towed by cars and SUVs is discussed. Please get professional advice regarding towing any trailer and sufficient training before driving with the trailer attached to your vehicle.
What does the law require? 1
A licence disk must be displayed, and a motorist towing a trailer must know what speed limit to adhere to at all times. A tiny car can’t tow a large trailer, and the owner must find out what size trailer the vehicle can tow. Stopping distances and brake requirements must be adhered to – don’t take chances. There are restrictions on how wide and high a trailer is permitted. If some poles are sticking out of the trailer, flags and warning panels must be in place. The amount of load towed is also restricted. If trailers are large, extra mirrors would have to be in place.
How roadworthy are the car and trailer? 1
Both the car and the trailer have to be roadworthy and safe on the road. Check the manufacturer information regarding your vehicle and what weight the car is permitted to tow. Some modern cars are equipped with specialised technology such as a TSP or trailer stability program that minimises the swaying action of a trailer.
What should you check on the trailer? 1
Before towing, examine the trailer tyres and ensure they are at the correct pressure for carrying the load. Are there any bulges in the tyre sidewalls, flat spots, illegal depth of tread, and any sharp objects penetrating the tyre? Finally, check the brake lights and connections and test them with someone standing behind you.
Although only some of the main requirements have been discussed, they provide you with an idea of the responsibility of towing a trailer. Make sure that your car has the correct car insurance cover for extra peace of mind. Contact PMD for more information on their affordable car insurance products if you are looking for affordable car insurance with unique benefits like fixed premiums* and a reduce to zero excess* together with world-class service. T’s and C’s apply.
Source:
1https://www.arrivealive.mobi/safe-driving-and-towing-a-trailer-safely
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
