Towing a caravan, trailer or other car is a fine art, which takes some skill, especially when it comes to parking and reversing. For insurers it would be good to have agreed standards on towing training, fixing mechanisms and more. Here’s the word;
A new coalition dedicated to improving towing safety has launched in response to alarming statistics highlighting safety concerns associated with risks while towing, for work and leisure, on UK roads. The UK Towing Safety Alliance, in collaboration with the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), brings together a wide range of organisations, including the National Caravan Council (NCC), TyreSafe, NFU Mutual, Road Safety GB, Driving for Better Business, The Camping and Caravanning Club, Tilly Your Trailer, the British Horse Society (BHS), The Caravan and Motorhome Club, The Pony Club and many others, with a shared commitment to raising awareness and instilling safer towing practices.
In its first major initiative, the Alliance is introducing the TLC – Tyres, Load, Connectivity campaign, a comprehensive and evergreen set of resources designed to equip drivers with the knowledge to ensure their trailers, caravans, horseboxes and other towed vehicles are safe and roadworthy.
The UK Towing Safety Alliance has developed the TLC – Tyres, Load, Connectivity campaign, designed to help drivers focus on three critical aspects of towing safety:
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Tyres: Ensuring tyres are properly inflated, have sufficient tread, and are free from damage or safety concerns caused by the tyre ageing process.
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Load: Checking that loads are secure, evenly distributed, and within legal weight limits.
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Connectivity: Verifying that breakaway cables, lights, and electrical connections are secure and functioning correctly.
The TLC campaign will provide a suite of digital and physical resources that Alliance members can adapt and share with their respective audiences to reinforce best practices and raise awareness of essential safety checks.
Jamie Hassall, Executive Director at PACTS, commented on the importance of the Alliance, “The statistics from both the DVSA and National Highways demonstrate an urgent need to improve towing safety across the UK. Through the UK Towing Safety Alliance and the launch of the TLC campaign, we are bringing together expertise from a wide range of organisations to advocate for safer towing practices. This collaborative effort will ensure that drivers have the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions and reduce the risks associated with towing.”
As the number of towing-related incidents continues to present unnecessary and preventable risk on the UK’s roads, the UK Towing Safety Alliance is encouraging all road users who tow to engage with the TLC campaign and make safety a top priority. By focusing on tyres, load, and connection, drivers can play a vital role in preventing incidents and ensuring safer journeys for all road users.
For more information on the TLC campaign and the Alliance, head to https://www.towing-safety.uk
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