THE vexed question of whether caravanners should undergo compulsory
towing courses before being allowed on the road has divided members of an
on-line forum.
Some toey travellers believed they were experienced enough to haul their
caravans, making training unnecessary. But others suggested courses should
become mandatory to help reduce the rising number of caravan-related
accidents on our highways.
The thorny issue was raised after a horror spell on Australian roads in
which four caravanners died and many others were injured.
Tow-Ed founder John Eggenhuizen, whose award-winning company delivers
towing courses through a nationwide network of dedicated instructors,
believes towing courses will become compulsory within the next few years.
He told Caravanning News: "Australia's caravan industry is very
conscious of the need for people to be educated in the art of towing. From
talking with key members, they are keen for the industry to promote
self-regulation by recommending that clients attend a nationally
recognised towing course."
Sydney Daily Telegraph columnist Steve Price was also concerned
that more and more retired Australians were taking to Australia's bush
roads after a life of driving on suburban streets.
"Of course, no one teaches these people how to safely tow heavy caravans
or drive bulky campervans properly," he said.
The comments prompted scores of caravan forum members
to hit their keyboards and air their views on the controversial topic, which
attracted around 600 hits.
One supporter of compulsory towing courses wrote: "It scares me that there
are people pulling trailers/caravans that are approaching me at a
potential crash speed of up to 200kph and they may have no idea about the
critical points of weight distribution, brake assist settings, load
distribution hitches etc."
He was annoyed at the 'drama' involved when some caravanners attempted
reversing into caravan park sites.
"This is such an easy procedure after a small amount of training," he
wrote. "This proves to me that the people who need the training the most
are the most likely NOT to do a voluntary course, which sadly means that
compulsory training is the only way to go.
"You only die once ... and it does not matter whether it is your fault
either."
Another member said: "Perhaps you might see the positives in an idea that
might have saved the four lives lost last month in caravanning accidents
... the next one might be yours."
And another asked: "If compulsory training might save your
life or that of another road user would you reject it? Or are you one that
simply knows it all?"
One supporter of compulsory training commented: "Day after day, week after
week, highway after highway we see 65-year-old retirees – who have not
even towed a box trailer to the tip before they buy a 'van – setting off
on the 'big one' with this type of setup.
"It will probably take an accident where a 'van collects a school bus and
kills a number of children before any State introduces a licence test."
But many forum members were against compulsory training and tests, arguing
they would do little to prevent accidents.
"Just because you've 'done the course' doesn't magically give you new or
better skills," one wrote.
Another added: "Heavy vehicle drivers have need to demonstrate basic
skills, experience and hold a licence ... still get lots of truck crashes.
Compulsory courses for towing is pushed by those who would make money out
of such a scheme, much like the revenue raising schemes used by state
governments e.g. speed cameras."
One forum member believed there were related issues.
"One is the driver's trailer towing skills and awareness of trailer
behaviour. I believe compulsory assessment and licence endorsement would
address this.
"The other issue is the willingness of the driver to apply these skills
and obey the regulations on the road. As someone else has pointed out,
even highly skilled truckies don't all obey the law or drive to the
limitations of their rigs."
