Towing Safety

TOWING SAFETY

Vehicles are involved in accidents every day and they can usually be prevented. Safety should always be your main concern when you're pulling a trailer. Because no matter how easy and comfortable the process, the fact is that your towing rig weighs more and doesn't dodge or stop as easily as other cars on the road. When a driver is pulling a trailer, they are even more likely to be involved in an accident. If you observe some simple safety rules and practices, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents and handle many emergency driving situations like a pro. But, before you hit the highway, though, make sure you're familiar with driving your vehicle-trailer combination.

Allow plenty of stopping and following distance - You need to allow much more following distance when trailering. Basic physics dictates that even with the best brakes, it takes longer to stop a big heavy truck and trailer than a small car.

Be extra careful changing lanes - Changing lanes is a challenge, especially if traffic in the new lane is moving much faster or slower than you. You simply cannot accelerate quickly to match traffic, and no one likes to be cut off. Make sure you've got wide trailering mirrors installed to give you a clear view of the lane next your tow vehicle and the full length of your trailer. Unthinking drivers will often "park" next to your trailer and hang there for miles.

Be patient with slower vehicles - Passing a slower car should be a rare occurrence when you're towing. You must allow many times the distance normally required to pass another vehicle. Passing on a two-lane road should almost never happen - you should be passing only vehicles that cannot maintain at least 50% of the posted speed.

Be gracious with faster vehicles - The best way to get down the road safely is to be extra courteous to faster traffic. Use turnouts whenever possible, and when a passing lane comes along, don't speed up to race passing traffic, but rather slow down just a bit to help people get past you in an efficient manner. Your stress level will be reduced, and you'll contribute to a courteous culture on the road. Above all, be solid and predictable when someone is passing you. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or maneuvers.

Don't pull in where you can't see out - It's easy to get stuck with a trailer. You might pull into a small parking lot and must perform a complicated backup maneuver to get out. Better to park across the street or on the road where you can see your way through.

Remember, the weather and road conditions play a vital part in towing safety. Make sure you arrive at your project location safely!