South African motorists towing trailers are being urged to take extra care as spring brings changing weather conditions, with wet roads, reduced visibility and strong winds creating additional challenges for drivers.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has been urging motorists and other road users to remain alert as spring brings changing conditions, while South African authorities have repeatedly advised drivers to reduce speed, increase following distances and avoid flooded roads during periods of heavy rain.
For drivers towing a trailer, wet weather means there is more to think about than simply slowing the car down.
Russell Ferreira, owner of South African trailer manufacturer Diamond Trailers, says drivers should remember that their trailer needs to remain stable and controlled behind them when conditions deteriorate.
“When you’re towing, you have another set of wheels and another load following behind you, so you need to give yourself more time to react.”
“The biggest thing to change in wet weather is how early you make decisions. If traffic ahead is slowing, come off the accelerator sooner rather than waiting until you need to brake hard.”
“Smooth inputs are important. Sudden braking or steering on a slippery road can make it much harder to keep everything settled behind you.”
Check the trailer before you check the weather
The experts recommend checking tyres, brakes, lights and other key vehicle components before travelling in difficult weather.
Russell says trailer owners should not overlook the equipment that spends much of its time sitting unused.
“A trailer can spend weeks or months without being used, so make sure you give it a proper check before a longer spring journey.”
“Look at the tyres, check their pressures when they’re cold and make sure there are no obvious signs of damage or deterioration. Check the lights and make sure the trailer is properly connected before you set off.”
“It’s much easier to find a problem while you’re still on the driveway than after you’ve loaded up and started your journey.”
Tyre condition is particularly important in wet conditions. Government guidance has previously highlighted the importance of tyre maintenance and noted that grip can start to reduce when tread becomes worn.
Leave a bigger gap when towing in the rain
Road-safety guidance recommends increasing following distances in adverse weather, with Arrive Alive advising that the normal two-to-three-second gap should be increased to five to six seconds in adverse weather and when towing.
Russell says the extra space gives drivers more opportunity to slow down without heavy braking.
“You don’t want to be reacting to the car in front at the last possible moment when you’re towing.”
“Watch further ahead and start slowing earlier. If you leave a proper gap, you can reduce your speed progressively rather than having to brake hard.”
“The speed you’re allowed to travel at isn’t necessarily the speed that’s appropriate for the conditions. If the road is wet or visibility has dropped, adjust your speed accordingly.”
Be particularly careful with standing water
Heavy spring rain can quickly create flooded roads and hazardous conditions. The experts warn not to drive through flooded roads or bridges, particularly where the depth or flow of the water is uncertain.
Russell says towing gives drivers another reason not to take chances with water.
“If you can’t see how deep the water is or how fast it’s moving, don’t try to guess your way through it.”
“Turn around and find another route if you can. A few extra kilometres is a much better option than putting the towing vehicle and trailer into water you can’t properly assess.”
“You also need to remember that heavy rain can change the road ahead very quickly, so don’t just focus on what’s happening immediately in front of you.”
Strong winds can make towing more difficult
Spring storms can also bring strong winds. This can be particularly noticeable with trailers that have a large side area.
“Wind is something you need to respect when towing, particularly on exposed roads and when passing or being passed by larger vehicles.”
“If you feel the trailer being affected by a gust, don’t make a sudden steering correction. Ease your speed down and keep your movements controlled.”
“Give yourself space around other vehicles as well. The airflow can change quickly when a large truck passes, and you don’t want to be boxed in with nowhere to go.”
Check the load before pulling away
Correct loading and securing the trailer is important regardless of the weather, but becomes even more relevant when roads are wet and conditions are unsettled.
“Take a minute to look at the load before you leave. Nothing should be able to move around freely once you’re moving.”
“Think about where the weight is sitting as well as whether it’s secured. You don’t want the load shifting while you’re braking, cornering or dealing with a sudden change in road conditions.”
Russell says the safest approach when towing in spring is to give yourself more time and more space rather than trying to maintain the same driving style used in dry conditions.
“If the road is wet, visibility is poor or the wind has picked up, give yourself more margin.”
“Slow down smoothly, leave more space and keep an eye on the trailer as well as the road ahead.”
