Caravan Safety Tips for Drivers and Towers
With the weather gradually getting warmer as summer fast approaches, everyone is starting to look towards their summer getaways, whether it be some tropical location abroad or a UK break by the coast. For those holidaying here in the UK, many people invest in a caravan and travel to their location with all the comforts of their home amenities right there with them.
Towing the caravan to your chosen destination can be simple and easy – no more difficult than driving a standard car – so long as you are aware of all the necessary safety precautions you must take to ensure you are fully compliant with all British Standards before you set off on your jollies!
Safety distances
When towing a caravan you should always remember to give yourself more time and space for everything.
An increased safety distance is crucial due to the weight of both vehicles combined. It will take you longer to brake or to carry out any manoeuvres, so keeping a larger gap between you and the car in front will increase your safety and give you the space and time to carry out any actions safely.
Braking distances
Similar to the safety distance, a larger braking distance is required. Towing a caravan adds on average, another 20 per cent to the usual stopping distance; therefore you need to allow yourself the time to react to this. You should also take precautions to avoid any sudden or heavy braking.
Speed limits
Speed limits when towing a caravan are slower than when not. Make sure you stick to 50mph on a single carriageway and 60mph as a maximum when driving on dual carriageways or motorways.
Be careful to watch your speed when travelling downhill as it can be more difficult to control the speed due to the added weight of the caravan and the natural pull of gravity. Likewise, acceleration will be much slower so bear this in mind when choosing the right time to pull out on a road.
Corners
Caravans will never follow the exact path your car takes when manoeuvring around corners and navigating roundabouts. Therefore, you will need to take a wider path in order to safely move the rear of the vehicle, avoiding any kerbs etc.
Mirrors
The law states that drivers should always have a clear, adequate view of the rear and both sides of the caravan at all times when driving.
The best way to ensure of this is to attach mirror extensions to your cars wing mirrors. These should extend no more than 200mm beyond your vehicles widest point, and if you’re going to be driving your car without towing the caravan once you arrive, then you must remember to remove your extension mirrors. Just as it is illegal to drive without them when towing, it is illegal to drive with them when not towing.
Passengers
NEVER carry passengers inside the caravan whilst being transported. It’s as simple as that! It is unsafe, unsecure and illegal.
Number Plates
Make sure your number plate is your car’s registration number and it should be illuminated at night in order to adhere to British Driving Standards.
Lights
Before setting off on your journey, test to make sure your rear lights and indicators are working before you start your journey. If they are not working at all or are showing signs of being faulty, you must get these sorted out by going to a reputable garage straight away.
So, don’t let towing put you off the fun of a caravan holiday this season. If you follow these safety tips, there’s no reason why your caravan shouldn’t follow your car safely until you arrive at your holiday destination!
If you’re looking for superb quality tyres, exhausts and fitting services throughout the Lincoln area, then please get in touch with Auto Exhaust and Tyres today.
