National Trailer Safety Week

The Mission of Trailer Safety Week is “To improve the safety of the nation’s roadways by raising trailer safety awareness through education of end-users, dealers and manufacturers on safe trailering practices.” Although trailer safety is important to focus on 365 days a year, Trailer Safety Week will officially take place June 3-9, 2018. The event is meant for anyone interested in learning about the importance of trailer safety and best practices. Audiences include trailer dealers, manufacturers, fleet managers and end-users.

Trailer Safety Week is an annual event that features two distinct parts; onsite events hosted at trailer manufacturing facilities, and national marketing and distribution of printed and online resources to trailer dealers across the nation. For onsite events, trailer dealers are invited to attend, tour the facility, and learn about the educational resources that are available to distribute to customers.

The event is centered around communicating the importance of trailer safety and the need for a National Trailer Safety Week as well as the resources available to support safe towing, including selection of the right tow vehicle and trailer, loading, maintenance, and driving tips.

 Why is there a Trailer Safety Week?

End-users are vastly undereducated on the proper use of trailers, and it is crucial to utilize the connections that dealers and manufacturers have with consumers in order to raise awareness of proper towing techniques and maintenance.

With millions of trailers traversing the nation’s roadways every day and being used by businesses, local governments and individuals for recreational purposes it is crucial to ensure that trailers are being towed safely for the sake of everyone on the roads.

PRE-DEPARTURE SAFETY CHECKLIST 

Before driving, make sure your vehicle maintenance and trailer maintenance are current.

This is very important because towing puts additional stress on the tow vehicle.

•  Check and correct tire pressure on the tow vehicle and trailer, including

the spare tire.

•  Make sure the wheel lug nuts/bolts on the tow vehicle and trailer are

tightened to the correct torque.

•  Be sure the hitch, coupler, draw bar and other equipment that connect the

trailer and the tow vehicle are properly secured and adjusted.

•  Make sure the safety chains are properly criss-crossed and connected, not

touching the road but with enough slack to make turns.

•  Check that the wiring is properly connected; not touching the road, but

loose enough to make turns without disconnecting or damaging the wires.

•  Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are

working.

•  Verify that the brakes on the tow vehicle and trailer are operating correctly.

•  Ensure the breakaway system lanyard is connected to the tow vehicle but

not to the safety chains or ball mount.

•  Check that all items are securely fastened on and in the trailer.

•  Be sure the trailer jack, tongue support and any attached stabilizers are

raised and locked in place.

• Check load distribution to make sure the tow vehicle and trailer are properly

balanced front to back and side to side.

•  Check side- and rear-view mirrors to make sure you have good visibility.

• Check routes and restrictions on bridges and tunnels.

• Make sure you have wheel chocks and jack stands.