by Oliver Knight
Overloading caravans or trailers and not carrying out adequate safety checks on vehicles before setting off on long journeys are the main causes of towing accidents, the Highways Agency has claimed.
The body has released a set of guidelines for motorists to adhere to in order to ensure that towing-related accidents are kept to a minimum over the busy summer holiday period.
It advises motorists to carry out maintenance checks before setting off, take extra care when reversing and remaining aware that driving with a loaded trailer will inevitably affect a vehicle’s performance.
The Highways Agency already works closely with organisations like the police, the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club to raise awareness of safer towing
It urges drivers to understand the legal speed limit, the importance of breakdown recovery and what to do in an emergency.
“Towing has a very good overall safety record,” explained Martin Spencer, technical manager for the Caravan Club. “When details of untoward incidents are reported to us, however, it is clear that in the overwhelming majority of cases, paying attention to a few simple guidelines would have prevented the incident occurring.”
Meanwhile, the Highways Agency also advised caravanners to plan their journeys before setting off to avoid getting stuck in traffic
