Are you fit to tow?

THE BHS has worked in conjunction with the Highways Agency to raise awareness of the safety issues related to towing a horse trailer.

A new DVD has been launched entitled ‘Are you Fit to Tow?’ that contains practical demonstrations on how to correctly attach your trailer, how to maintain it and what to check for to ensure it is safe to tow. It also contains advice on topics such as how to prepare your trailer for a journey, speed limits, licensing, break down recovery and how to plan your journey before you set out.

In 2006 there were 43 deaths and 1400 injuries on England’s roads as a result of incidents involving vehicles towing caravans or trailers. The Highways Agency emphasise the importance of further training and sitting another driving test before towing most trailers.

The British Horse Society has supported the production of the DVD and Sheila Hardy, BHS Senior Executive for Safety is featured in the DVD. She said “The BHS is delighted that the Highways Agency has taken this opportunity to highlight the need for all drivers to be ‘fit to tow.’ “

'Working in partnership with the BHS has offered additional emphasis to a message that they have been giving for the past 10 years to all who tow horse trailers – that you need to have a B E licence to do so. We have that the message will be spread to all drivers through this initiative.”

To purchase a copy of the DVD contact the Highways Agency. Tel: 08457 504030.

10/03/2008 12:13:14