What are the accident statistics on trailers towed by private/small vehicles here in the UK?

Would it be a good idea to have a seperate test for permission to tow any kind of trailer?

What are the accident statistics on trailers towed by private/small vehicles here in the UK?
Trust me when I say that the statistics will be high. You only have to see most of the muppets who try and tow on a motorway to know this. Most do not bother to check to the state of the trailer or the tyres and that is why in the summer you see so many cars with trailers on the hard shoulder with blow outs.


I think there should be a seperate test.


I also include Caravans in this rant!!
Reply:I've been keeping track of accidents that are caused by trailers in the United States for the past 4 years. I have gathered evidence that on average 400 people are killed due to these utility trailers.


go to www.dangeroustrailers.com Report Abuse

Reply:I will Post the Articles I have at


http://dangeroustrailersintheu... Report Abuse

Reply:Here are some of the headlines:


Two arrested over runaway trailer deathsPress Association


Tuesday March 2, 2004





Guardian Unlimited Report Abuse

Reply:Girls injured by runaway trailer


Two girls are in hospital after being trapped under a runaway trailer on their way home from school.





They were hit by the trailer, carrying a county council mobile display unit, when it became detached from a van in Codsall, Staffs, on Friday. Report Abuse

Reply:Runaway trailer injures 3





Witnesses say two drivers didn't have a chance of avoiding an unhitched utility trailer that was loaded with trees.


JOHN HERBERT, Free Press Reporter


A roadway nightmare -- a runaway vehicle on a busy street -- left three persons injured and Report Abuse

Reply:Luck escape from runaway roller





rom the archive, first published Thursday 5th Jul 2001.








Kevin Nolan was driving to work on the A31, near Winchester, at 7.15am on Friday when a runaway trailer, carrying a two-and-a-half ton mini road-roller crossed the central reservation and crashed into his car. Report Abuse

Reply:Biker injured in trailer accident.(News)


A MOTOR CYCLIST suffered two broken wrists and a broken knee after colliding with a trailer which came loose in Warwick, say police. Report Abuse

Reply:I think it is upto 650kg-750kg download weight at the point where car and trailer meet[towball] the trailer does not legally require independent brakes but anything ,over that weight the trailer has to have a independant braking system similar to a caravan


[usually a wire loop+hook[carabina]direct from the trailer brakes are connected to the car towbar.This will pull the brake on if the trailer suddenly disengages from the car towbar in transit
Reply:Just to take more money out of our pockets. As if we don't all pay a criminal amount of tax already.





But you can tow max 750KG Without any extra tests, The strange thing is you are more likely to have problems with lighter trailers (Bounces and swerves alot more) then heaver ones.