The Washington State Patrol recently reported that a woman died and a girl was hospitalized after a serious accident, which occurred when the driver of a motorhome pulling a trailer lost control. The motor home collided with a median and struck a guardrail before colliding into an embankment. The exact cause of the accident still remains uncertain. Statistics reveal that a large number of accidents involving towed trailers occur each year. Fortunately, with the proper safety equipment, it is possible to tow a trailer safely. If you are new to towing or want some safety advice on how to safely operate a trailer, the following are some important steps to take.

Considerations Involved with Towing Trailers

Trailers add substantial weight to vehicles, which means that the vehicle will have a more difficult time stopping. When towing a trailer, you should always make sure to take extra time when stopping, switching lanes, or passing other vehicles. This added weight can also affect a trailer when a trailer is turning. The increased weight will cause the trailer to swing more widely, which should be taken into consideration when driving. If you are pulling a trailer, it is also important to remain observant of large bumps and other obstacles in the road, which can lead to serious accidents.

Invest in the Proper Equipment

Towing equipment should have the proper capacity. This means that the value of each piece of equipment should be rated at a higher capacity than the trailer you will be towing. If you attempt to tow with equipment that has a capacity lower than your vehicle, you are at an increased risk of an accident. Make sure that your towing equipment is sufficiently rated for the trailer that you need to pull.

How to Pull a Trailer Safely

Some of the safety tips that you should remember to follow when pulling a trailer include:

• Adding a weight distribution system with sway control
• Applying only the trailer brakes to reduce trailer sway
• Avoiding sudden turns, which can lead to rollovers
• Gradually reducing your speed when coming to a stop
• Never slamming on the brakes to avoid jackknifing
• Never towing a trailer that is continuing to sway

Unfortunately, even if you follow all of the above pieces of advice, trailer accidents can still occur. In these situations, you should not hesitate to obtain the assistance of a skilled accident lawyer.

Speak with a Seasoned Accident Attorney

When towing accidents occur, the results can be particularly serious. The victims of towing accidents should not hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer. Contact West Law Office today to obtain assistance with your accident. From start to finish, we will remain committed to fighting for your rights and making sure that you have the best chance possible of obtaining the compensation that you deserve.

 (image courtesy of Daniel Fazio)