THE FRONT BOOT
On average, 14 Australians are killed each year in crashes involving vehicles towing caravans, trailers or camper trailers, and more than 240 people are hospitalised annually in towing-related crashes nationwide. Australia has over 750,000 registered caravans and camper trailers, with towing traffic increasing sharply during holiday periods
According to Darren and Lee, the risk is larger than many realise. When only one partner can tow, the entire safety of the trip depends on that person’ s alertness, health, and confidence. What if the main driver becomes fatigued, unwell, or injured? What if the vehicle needs to be manoeuvred without warning? What if stress or panic hits at a critical moment?
“ In an emergency, you want the person who’ s most capable to jump into the driver’ s seat, not the person who’ s most available,” Darren said.“ Confidence only comes from practice. And practice only happens if both people actually tow.”
The summer break is one of the busiest times on Australian roads.
“ There’ ll be more vans on the road, more traffic, more fatigue,” Lee said.“ If something goes wrong and only one person knows how to tow, you’ re immediately vulnerable. But if both partners are capable, you’ ve instantly reduced your risk.”
Their message this holiday season is clear: if you’ re travelling with a caravan, both partners should know how to tow it. Even a little practice can make a big difference.
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