GRAND BLANC, MI Nov. 10 - This holiday season, tens of millions of vehicles will be on the road, many of them hauling trailers.
Hauling a trailer takes a little more finesse than driving without one, especially on icy roads, and if drivers don't use common sense precautions, what starts as a joyous holiday trip can end in tragedy.
Even a minor accident can ruin your holiday season. "Trailer sway" is particularly dangerous and can lead to serious, even fatal, accidents.
Sean Woodruff, president of Propride, Inc., a Grand Blanc., Michigan, manufacturer of the 3P trailer sway eliminating hitch, has some important safety guidelines for drivers who will be hauling trailers this holiday season.
"Towing your trailer doesn't have to be a harrowing experience if you follow a few simple tips," according to Woodruff.
Woodruff's seven safety tips:
Pay attention to your towing speed (once you go over 45 miles an hour your chance of losing control of your trailer starts to rise significantly)
Travel on roads with less heavy traffic
Don't be in a hurry
Plan your route
Inspect your equipment before hitting the road
Set up your hitch properly for more stability while towing
Load your trailer evenly
There are trailer hitches on the market today which are specifically manufactured to minimize trailer sway, according to Woodruff. The hitches, along with these seven tips, will provide stability and more safety while hauling a trailer.
