Drivers towing caravans this summer have been advised to brush up on their knowledge of road safety rules, following the publication of new research from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
A new study of more than 3,000 UK adults, as conducted by Nissan, revealed the lack of knowledge and experience many motorists have when it comes to towing caravans.
The research found that 40 per cent of towers surveyed had never had training on how to do it safely.
This lack of knowledge also translates into a failure to understand vehicle towing capabilities, with many motorists buying and running a caravan that their car is unable to tow.
Commenting on the findings, IAM head of technical policy Tim Shallcross said:”With more ‘towers’ than ever hitting the roads this summer, it is essential drivers are up to speed with road safety.”
The IAM and Nissan offered five tips to towcar owners planning trips this summer.
These include keeping to motorway speed limits, allowing more time between vehicles when accelerating and braking, along with checking you are legally allowed to tow, which will depend on when your license was issued.
Licenses issued after 1997 are limited to a maximum train weight (car and caravan combined) of 3,500kg.
Other advice includes selecting a low gear when approaching an incline, to reduce the stress on your breaks and knowing the towing limit of your vehicle.
