3 Risks of Towing You Should Be Aware Of

Towing can be a convenient way to transport cars, boats, campers, and other equipment, but it comes with potential risks. You may be planning to tow a boat to a waterfront or a trailer to your new home across the country. Either way, understanding the risks associated with towing is crucial for safety on the road. Here are three risks of towing you should be aware of before you hit the road.

Swaying and Fishtailing

Trailer sway occurs when a trailer begins to swing from side to side due to wind gusts, uneven weight distribution, or sudden steering movements. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience but a potentially dangerous situation for drivers. It can cause drivers to lose control over their vehicles, particularly at high speeds. Fishtailing is a more severe form of sway that can cause rollover accidents.

Braking Issues

Towing increases your vehicle’s overall weight and length, affecting braking distance and control. Due to the added weight, it takes longer to stop a towing vehicle, so maintaining a safe following distance and braking early is essential. Improper braking techniques or sudden stops can cause the towing vehicle and trailer to skid or jackknife, especially on slippery or uneven road surfaces. Before you get on a major roadway, practice driving and braking with your trailer to understand the difference in the needed braking distance.

Additional Blind Spots

Towing a trailer can obstruct your rearview and side mirrors, creating blind spots that hinder visibility. These blind spots increase the danger of changing lanes and executing other maneuvers. Before driving with a trailer, note any new reductions in visibility and consider getting extended mirrors to improve your visibility and safety.

By understanding and addressing these three risks of towing you should be aware of, you can make informed decisions to prevent accidents when towing things with your vehicle. To avoid these risks completely, consider working with a transportation company like One Call Logistics. We offer boat hauling services and transportation for vehicles, trailers, and tiny homes. We want to help you safely get your belongings where they need to go. Contact us to learn more.