It appears as though the UK is not the only country that experiences a sudden increase in caravan and horsebox trailer accidents during the spring months. A recent article published by The Horse magazine shows that Americans clearly have similar problems. The article’s author offers a number of helpful tips that should make trailer towing safer for those who read it. In a nutshell, she recommends drivers do their own car and trailer test before hitting the road.
The trailer towing laws are different in the UK and the States, but the principles offered by The Horse are universal. They say drivers should do the following in order to maintain safety:
- Matching car and trailer – Many people only concern themselves with the weight restrictions related to towing trailers. As long as their total vehicle and trailer weight does not exceed the legal limit, they assume towing will be safe. The Horse says drivers also have to be aware of braking issues. Brakes should be checked to make sure they could withstand the punishment of towing a trailer.
- Check the coupling – There are several coupling options used to hook trailers to tow vehicles. Drivers should know what sort of coupling their vehicle utilises and, before embarking on a trip, inspect it to make sure everything is secure. Checking for potential damage is also a good idea.
- Maintaining tyre pressure – Tyre pressure is a significant contributor to crashes involving cars and trailers. Under-inflated tyres are a definite hazard while overinflated tyres can wear down more quickly. Proper tyre inflation is one of the most important things a driver can do in terms of safety.
- Maintaining proper paperwork – Towing a trailer in the UK requires certain paperwork to be carried by the driver while en route. It is important for drivers to know what that paperwork is, especially when transporting horses, to ensure they have what they need.
- Pre-trip inspection – Lastly, the laws in both countries require drivers to do a routine pre-trip inspection before embarking with a trailer in tow. This inspection is designed to ensure that both the trailer and tow vehicle are in proper working order. The pre-trip inspection is second only to tyre pressure in terms of safety.
As a UK driver, it is likely that you do not need an enhanced driving licence in order to tow a trailer or caravan for recreational purposes. This includes horsebox trailers being used for non-professional purposes. However, proper trailer training is still a good idea. Operating a car and trailer together is significantly different than driving your car alone. Training can help you understand the differences and teach you how to be safe.
The HGV Training Centre is thrilled to be able to offer car and trailer training alongside or commercial training classes. If you are planning to tow this summer, we hope you will consider training with us first.
Sources:
