Wellington County OPP officials say police take traffic safety seriously.
Officers have seen many unsafe situations involving trailers on roadways, police say, including under-built homemade trailers, safety chains improperly connected or not utilized, signal and brake lighting not working, and insecure loads.
Police want to remind the public that trailer safety cannot be overlooked. Pulling a trailer requires extra care and attention. A trailer puts extra weight on the vehicle and increases the space needed to drive and stop safely.
Trailer safety involves some simple and important rules; and a trailer must be registered and licensed before it can be used on the road.
Before using a trailer, make sure it is in safe operating condition. Inspect the lights, tires, brakes (if equipped), bearings, safety chains and hitch. The law requires brakes on trailers that weigh 1,360 kg (3,000 pounds) or more.
You must have two separate means of attachment between your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains should be crossed under the tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the road should the primary hitch accidentally disconnect. It is required that chain hooks have latches or devices that prevent accidental disconnect. The breaking strength of each chain should equal the gross weight of the towed trailer.
When attaching the trailer to a vehicle, make sure it is hitched securely. The trailer tongue should be snug on the ball when locked. Never overload the trailer. Overloading or poor load distribution can cause serious swaying and separation when driving and possible tire, wheel bearing and axle failure. Also, the law requires that loose objects be covered with a tarp and everything be strapped down so nothing can bounce or fly off.
Fines range from $110 to $390 for trailer and load offences.
Police are asking drivers to remember they are responsible for the trailer behind them.
