A topic rarely considered - and yet one that can be found at the heart of any number of vehicle collisions - is the act of towing a trailer behind a vehicle. Whether you're moving across town or across the state - let us offer some good advice to help keep you safe.
The first thing to remember if you're going to use a trailer is to be sure that the load you are hauling is fastened securely. Not only does this ensure that items you are carrying do not fall out of the trailer and get ruined or cause an accident but when if the load shifts while you are driving then you may lose control of the vehicle.
The second thing to remember is that the car you are driving has the ability to tow a trailer safely - and that the weight of the trailer does not exceed the recommended capacity or this may again lead to loss of vehicle control and an accident. Too, be sure that the item you are towing can be correctly hitched to the car.
The third thing to remember is that once you have hooked up the trailer to the back of your car (or truck) then position someone behind it and be sure that the brake lights of the trailer go on when you step on the brakes.
When towing a trailer your vehicle brake lights are not visible - an important safety feature for every driver!
Finally, slow down. Driving with a trailer attached to a vehicle requires even greater vigilance - and if you drive too fast you run the risk of losing the trailer and causing an accident.
We see many serious personal injury and wrongful death accidents involving towing trailers- be safe drive carefully/
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston 18 wheeler accident lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a Houston wrongful death attorney call the Baumgartner firm.
