Autumn is approaching and Finns are gradually returning to everyday life. The end of the summer holiday season is also reflected in traffic: boats pulled ashore, holiday home items and other trailer loads are being transported by road after the summer. Before you hook up the trailer and start off, check these three important safety matters.
1. Is the trailer roadworthy and properly hooked up?
Traffic safety should already be a top priority before you turn on the engine. Before starting off, make sure that the trailer lights, indicators and electrical systems function properly so that other road users can anticipate your movements. Do not forget the tyres.
“Remember to check the electrics in particular: the trailer plug must be properly connected, the wiring must be intact and the lights must be working so that other road users can see and anticipate your movements. The tyres must also be in good condition and the pressures must be suitable for the load. Also check that the trailer coupling is in good condition and securely locked before you start off,” says Eero Sauramäki, Head of Fintraffic’s Road Traffic Centre.
2. Are the items or the boat securely loaded?
Items falling from the trailer or hanging over the sides are a major risk to other road users – especially in corners and when you brake suddenly. Secure the items or the boat with intact tie-down devices so that the load cannot move in any direction. The load must be secured even when you are using a canopy trailer. A load blowing dust around must be covered.
“The trailer should always be slightly front-loaded so that the towing bar exerts a downward force on the tow hook in the vehicle. The heaviest items should be placed as low as possible and close to the trailer axle(s). Tail-heavy loading is dangerous as it raises the rear of the towing vehicle, reducing traction on its rear wheels and making it difficult to control the vehicle combination. The centre of gravity of the load is too far back if the trailer starts to tip backwards when it is uncoupled from the tow hook,” explains Inspector Antti Ojala from Traficom.
The load may not exceed the sides of the trailer sideways, except in the case of boat transport. If the load extends more than one metre over the rear of the trailer, a highly visible flag must be placed at the end of the load, and the flag must also be illuminated when you are driving at dark. The load may not extend more than two metres over the rear of the trailer.
Also remember that even if you have secured the load properly before starting off, it may become loose as your drive. Especially on long journeys, it is a good idea to make stops to check that the load is properly secured.
3. Do you feel confident with the load when you start off?
You should keep in mind that a trailer impacts the vehicle’s stopping distance and driving stability, especially at higher speeds. The trailer also slows down the vehicle’s acceleration. If you feel unsure, you should practise driving with a trailer in a safe area before setting off on a road.
“When you are on the road with an ordinary trailer or a boat trailer, driving considerately is essential. For example, when towing a light trailer at 100 km/h, you notice that the stopping distance of the combination increases, driving stability decreases and managing sudden avoidance situations is more difficult. Sudden movements, excessive speeds and short safety distances are likely to increase the risk of accidents. All this means that the driver needs to be particularly vigilant and show situational awareness,” Eero Sauramäki concludes.
Also check what kind of loads you can tow with your vehicle. You can check the maximum permitted trailer masses from the towing vehicle’s registration certificate or Traficom’s My e-Services.
