DVD aims to promote safe caravan towing

A NEW DVD aims to raise awareness of the safety risks involved with towing a caravan.

Presented by Carol Smillie, the DVD features practical demonstrations on how to correctly attach a caravan, how to maintain it and what to check for to ensure it is safe before you go.

Advice on preparing a caravan safely for a journey, speed limits, breakdown recovery and how to plan a journey are also included.

It has been produced by Government body the Highways Agency in association with a number of other relevant bodies, including The Caravan Club, and was launched at the National Boat, Caravan & Outdoor Show at the NEC this week.

Latest statistics show that in 2006 there were 43 fatalities involving vehicles towing caravans or trailers on England’s roads and 1,400 injuries.

Caravan Club Events Manager Len Short said: “We represent over a million caravanners, motor caravanners, and trailer tenters and we are very pleased to support this new DVD which highlights the importance of advocating best practice for towing which is of paramount importance to The Caravan Club.”

Highways Agency technical Adviser Roger Wright added: “In the lead up to the holiday season, we are again urging road users not to take their caravan out on the road without a proper maintenance check, especially if it has been left standing for most of the year.

“With a simple once-over before you set off, you could avoid breaking down and delaying not only your journey but other road users as well.”

•    To view the DVD visit www.highways.gov.uk/towing. To request a copy of the DVD contact the Highways Agency information line on 08457 50 40 30.

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