WELCOME TO OUR SAFETY & EDUCATION section

* Thanks to 'IB-107B Vehicle Safety and Standards Information Bulletin by DoT WA'

Towing and Driver Fatigue

• Towing requires more knowledge and skill than normal driving. It can be more stressful and is likely to cause the early onset of fatigue. Be sure to plan your trip, get plenty of rest before embarking, and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue. 
• Remember, the correct matching of the towing vehicle and the trailer or caravan is essential for safe towing. Check your vehicle handbook and consult your vehicle, trailer and caravan dealers on all towing performance and safety aspects.

How much can you Safely Tow? 

• The manufacturer's recommended trailer load and tyre loads must not be exceeded. The load on a vehicle must not be placed in a way that makes the vehicle unstable or unsafe.  
•  If the vehicle's towing capacity cannot be determined, the loaded mass of the trailer must not exceed the empty mass (tare) of the towing vehicle, excepting where the trailer is  fitted with brakes in which case the loaded mass of the trailer must not exceed 1.5 times  the empty mass of the towing vehicle. 
• If the trailer is not fitted with brakes then the loaded mass of the trailer must not exceed 750kg. 
• The loaded mass of the trailer must not exceed the towing capacity of any component in  the vehicle/trailer combination, including the towbar and towball.  
• The loaded mass of the trailer must never exceed the trailer's ATM.  

Safety tips for drivers 

The following procedures will help reduce risks and improve towing safety: 

• Remember to allow for the extra length and width of trailers and caravans, and their tendency to “cut in” on corners and curves. 
• The extra weight of your vehicle and trailer combination requires greater stopping distance when braking. Always allow for this when towing.  
• Brakes should not be applied more than very lightly when cornering or travelling around a  curve, particularly when the road is wet or slippery.   Reversing a trailer can be difficult and requires extra care and practice. Directions from an outside observer watching the rear of the trailer can be helpful. 
• Trailers reduce a towing vehicle’s performance therefore greater care is needed when overtaking.
• Accelerator, brake and steering must be operated smoothly when towing. Unnecessary steering wheel movement should be avoided because sway or “snaking” of the vehicle and trailer can result. If sway occurs the trailer brakes should be applied gently if they can be operated separately from the towing vehicle, otherwise a steady speed or slight acceleration should be maintained, if possible, until the sway ceases. The tow vehicle’s brakes should only be applied as a last resort. 
• Drivers must heed any “Dangerous Crosswinds” signs. Road Authorities install these signs in areas where wind gusts can affect the stability of caravans. Reduce your speed accordingly. When travelling downhill with a trailer or caravan, a lower gear should be engaged. This gives you greater vehicle control and reduces the load on your brakes.  
• Ensure your mirrors on both sides of your towing vehicle are properly adjusted to give a clear view of vehicles approaching from the rear.  
• To avoid a build-up of following traffic that is unable to overtake, consider pulling off the road where suitable to allow the faster traffic to clear Towing requires more knowledge and skill than normal driving. It can be more stressful and is likely to cause the early onset of fatigue. Be sure to plan your trip, get plenty of rest before embarking, and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue. 
• Remember, the correct matching of the towing vehicle and the trailer or caravan is essential for safe towing. Check your vehicle handbook and consult your vehicle, trailer and caravan dealers on all towing performance and safety aspects  

Dealing with Trucks 

Encounters with road trains and other large trucks are inevitable for anyone driving in the country. To ensure these encounters are as safe as possible you should:

• Only overtake if the road is clear and visible a long way ahead (at least 1km - even more  if towing). Once you have made the decision to pass, do so quickly and positively. 
• Be ready for the effect of wind buffeting as you pass a truck. 
• Remember that the stopping ability of a heavy vehicle is not the same as a standard car. 
• Not attempt to overtake a large truck near an intersection - they often require two lanes to turn a corner. 
• Slow down and move as far left as practical when meeting a road train or other heavy vehicle on a narrow bitumen road. This will prevent flying debris and dust from the 

 Learn more about WA towing Laws IB - 107 - Safe Towing (transport.wa.gov.au) 

Don't guess your weights, weigh your rig to be safe, sure and legal. Protect yourself, protect your family and protect those around you. Call SW Weigh now and we will help you out.