TRAILER SAFETY
Whether you use a trailer for private or work-related use, all trailers on Irish roads must be compliant with road traffic regulations.
Conducting regular inspections of trailers can help to ensure the roadworthiness of your trailer and avoid untimely inconvenience on the road by proactively catching issues.
Trailers Safety Guidelines
Trailer Roadworthiness
If you’re towing a trailer, it is your responsibility as the driver to ensure that both the towing vehicle and trailer are safe and mechanically sound, fit for purpose, and legally compliant with all relevant Road Traffic legislation.
Your towing vehicle must be taxed, insured and have passed its roadworthiness test, either the NCT or CVRT.
Coupling & Uncoupling
Do not try coupling or uncoupling a trailer on your own until you are fully familiar with all the steps and can complete them safely. All drivers towing trailers are responsible for learning how to couple/uncouple a trailer safely. As with any manual handling task, proper training and instruction, along with common sense and using proper techniques, will reduce the risk of personal injury.
Loading & Unloading
Loads must be evenly distributed and securely tied down. Unevenly distributed loads will reduce the stability of the vehicle combination and increase the likelihood of an accident. Always follow the guidelines set out by the trailers manufacturer and follow safe loading practices.
Anticipating Hazards
Keep in mind that your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. This means that extra care is needed when driving on the road. You will need to increase your stopping distance and drive more defensively.
