Driving
This is the most important factor. Trailer sway increases with speed. You therefore must
obey all speed limits and reduce your speed in poor weather or high wind.
Corrective measures
If sway occurs, the following techniques must be used.
1. Slow down immediately by removing your foot from the accelerator.
Avoid using the towing vehicle’s brakes unless there is a danger of collision.
Gradually reduce your speed every time this is possible.
If you can safely do so, use the trailer’s manual brake control (independent of
the towing vehicle’s brakes) to gradually slow down. This manoeuvre helps keep
the vehicles aligned.
2. Brake as little as possible while maintaining control of the vehicle.
Remain calm; sudden movements to stop trailer rocking just make it more
pronounced and result in loss of control. Keep both hands on the steering
wheel and keep the wheel as steady as possible until you regain stability.
3. Do not lock up the brakes and do not press on the accelerator to try to stop
the sway by accelerating. Both these actions just make the situation worse and
can result in serious injury or death.
4. Once you have gained control of the sway, stop as soon as possible.
Check the tire pressure, load weight distribution, and check for any indication
of mechanical failure. Drive at reduced speed so you can effectively control
your vehicle until the problem can be identified and corrected.
Practise using the manual brake control in an empty parking lot.
Do not wait for an emergency situation to arise before using this control.
The manual brake control must be accessible so you can locate it easily.
HINTS AND TIPS
SAFETY
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