Safety Tips for Driving with a Trailer

Take time to practice before driving on main roads and never allow anyone to ride in or on the trailer. Before you leave, remember to check routes and restrictions on bridges and tunnels. Consider the following safety tips each time you drive with a trailer.

Towing Tips & Tricks

• Use the driving gear that the manufacturer recommends for towing.

• Drive at moderate speeds. This will place less strain on your tow vehicle and trailer. Trailer instability (sway) is more likely to occur as speed increases.

• Increase your following distance to avoid sudden stops and starts that can cause skidding, sliding, or jackknifing. Always anticipate the need to slow down when towing a trailer.

• Avoid sudden steering maneuvers that might create sway or undue side force on the trailer.

• Slow down when traveling over bumpy roads, railroad crossings and ditches.

• Adjust rear view mirrors so that the trailer and/or wheels is/are visible from the driver’s seat.

• Make wider turns at curves and corners. Because your trailer’s wheels are closer to the inside of a turn than the wheels of your tow vehicle, they are more likely to hit or ride up over curbs.

• Take time when backing up and parking the trailer. Hurrying will only frustrate you. Maneuvering your trailer will become easier with practice.

Towing requires coordination among several elements: the driver, tow vehicle, and trailer, each playing a crucial role in the towing process and safety of the setup. The driver's responsibilities include choosing the appropriate tow vehicle and trailer for the load, connecting the unit, loading it correctly, steering, controlling speed, and braking. Every aspect of the tow vehicle and trailer influences the towing process. Maintaining safe and proper driving practices is essential for trailer safety. Drivers should stay focused and minimize or eliminate distractions.

For more Driving Tips visit the Trailer Safety Week official Towing Safely Guide:

Important Safety Resources

To Report Safety Problems and Obtain More Information

If you discover a potentially serious safety problem with your vehicle, or if information is missing from your trailer certification label, call the DOT Auto Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236/TDD (800) 424-9153, or visit www.safercar.gov.

For questions regarding your tow vehicle, please contact your automobile dealer or manufacturer.