RV FEATURE

I ’ ve been asked many times whether or not I think towing licences would be a way to minimise the number of accidents involving caravans . Personally , I believe it may be a good idea in theory , but in practice I doubt it would make much difference .

Having a licence to operate any vehicle doesn ’ t necessarily mean you are a safe and competent driver . Only training and experience can can do that .

Another issue is getting all the states and territories to agree to a single system . As it stands , they can ’ t even agree on a consistent speed limit for vehicles towing trailers .

What is needed is more education . Drivers intending to tow anything larger than a box trailer should be encouraged to do a towing course so that they know how to determine their vehicle ’ s towing limits , how to load the trailer correctly , how to drive safely on the road and , importantly , what to do if the trailer starts to sway .

Perhaps insurance companies could offer drivers a discount on drivers ’ premiums if they have successfully completed a towing course . Or perhaps governments could offer to rebate part or all of the costs of a towing course . Drivers could also get an endorsement on their licence to show they had completed the course . We need more encouragement , not more red tape .

Another idea would be to include basic towing knowledge as part of the standard driver ’ s licence testing . As it stands , the holder of a car licence can tow the heaviest trailer their towing vehicle is rated to without having to demonstrate any towing knowledge . That situation has to change .

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