POLICE across Swan Hill and Mildura will be targeting dangerous towing as part of Operation Nomad this week.
Police in northwest Victoria will work proactively to engage with motorists to educate them on vehicle loading and towing requirements.
With many travelling to or through the regions as part of the September school holiday, motorists are being warned of the dangers of not following these requirements.
Police will focus on major arterial roads like the Murray Valley and Calder Highways and will also be carrying out widespread alcohol and drug testing.
Motorists across the north-west are being advised to make themselves aware if the requirements for towing a caravan or trailer.
Drivers are also being urged to ensure these are registered and in a roadworthy condition, and adhere to weight, length and overhang limits.
Swan Hill Highway Patrol Senior Constable David Healey said that police hope drivers will be self-motivated to prioritise safety and compliance.
“Unfortunately, we see caravans and trailers involved in serious collisions and rollovers,” he said.
“While weight can be a contributing factor, more often than not people lack the knowledge and skill for safe towing.
“We’re coming into a period of the year where caravanning and towing becomes more prevalent, and we’d certainly rather prevent these collisions than respond to a collision that could have been avoided.
“Operation Nomad is an opportunity to educate and generate discussions around safe towing and road safety more broadly.
“For those who choose to be blatantly ignore the rules and put other road users at risk, we won’t hesitate to enforce the law.”
Drivers who are found to be breaching mass limits will face penalties ranging from $296 to $1976.
While the penalties for a driver breaching width, length and height limit or load restraint requirements range from $296 to $790.
The penalty for owning or using an unregistered trailer that is not a heavy vehicle ranges from $198 to $1778 for a trailer with three or more axles.
Other penalties relating to using trailers include driving a motor vehicle with a person in an attached trailer, and learner and probationary drivers towing a trailer.
These all incur a $395 penalty.
*BREAKOUT*
Safe towing tips for caravans and trailers include:
• Towing decreases acceleration and braking ability, so avoid sudden braking, acceleration and steering. Slow down when making turns and avoid making sharp turns if possible.
• Leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front, and when turning into traffic, overtaking or changing lanes.
• Keep left to give overtaking vehicles room to pass.
• The risk of swaying with a caravan or trailer increases with higher speeds, so obey the speed limits.
• Reversing with a caravan/trailer can be difficult, so where possible park in places you can drive forward.
• Drive carefully in poor conditions and high winds, as swaying can increase in these conditions or when passing other larger/heavy vehicles.
