All across Britain there are private car owners who use their vehicles to tow light utility trailers, caravans and horsebox trailers. And all across Britain there are numerous accidents every year as a result of unsafe or unskilled reversing. According to research by the University of Huddersfield, at least 25% of all reported collisions in Britain are directly related to reversing. If you were to take a towing test involving reversing, how would you do?
As you might expect, the problem is not limited to individual drivers towing trailers. The research shows that reversing is a factor in 15% of all van accidents, 19% of HGV accidents, and 10% of accidents involving company cars. However, individual drivers towing trailers have their share of problems.
Fleet News UK says the numbers from the research might be somewhat low. They explain that companies choosing to deal with minor damage from reversing accidents themselves, rather than going through their insurance, categorise the related expenses under routine maintenance. If true, this would skew research data that was primarily gleaned from insurance claims.
At any rate, Fleet News UK offers a number of helpful tips to drivers for reducing the risks of being involved in a reversing related accident. The most important tip for individual drivers with trailers is to practice reversing in a safe place. For example, an empty car park makes the perfect location for giving it a go. The more one practices reversing with a trailer, the better one becomes.
More Tips from the HGV Training Centre
The staff at the HGV Training Centre would like to offer a few tips of our own for safe reversing. These steps apply to both commercial and non-commercial drivers operating all sorts of vehicles:
- Back in Rather Than Out – It is a lot safer to reverse into a space upon arrival the than reversing out at departure. Why? Because your mind is already focussed on driving as you approach a parking space. If you wait until you are ready to depart, your mind will likely be on other things.
- Pull Through – If you can avoid reversing by pulling into a parking space, do so. There is no need to reverse just to prove you know how to do it.
- Ask for Help – Commercial drivers know enough to ask for help when reversing in congested areas. Car drivers may not think of doing so. Either way, having others on either side of your vehicle to help guide you into place reduces your risk considerably.
For safe reversing, it is a good idea to practice with your mirrors frequently. A good command of your mirrors goes a long way toward safe and effective reversing.
One last thing before we conclude: if you could not pass a towing test that involves reversing with your trailer, consider training with the HGV Training Centre. We can teach you all you need to know about safe reversing.
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