This major caravan blunder sparks call for driver's licence overhaul: ‘It’s scary and very dangerous’
- Replies 7
As the allure of the open road beckons, more and more Australians are hitching up caravans and setting off to explore our country's vast beauty.
The freedom of caravan travel is undeniable, but with this freedom comes a responsibility that, according to industry experts, is being neglected by a staggering number of Aussie travellers.
Dave Jason from Get-A-Weigh, a vehicle weighing service in NSW and Queensland, has raised the alarm over a common yet critical mistake: a significant majority of vehicles his team inspects are overloaded, surpassing the weight limit and failing to meet roadworthy requirements.
Dave's observations suggest that over 80 per cent of vehicles checked before a trip violate safety standards.
The implications are severe, not only for the safety of the driver and passengers but for everyone sharing the road.
Dave expressed that the number of people who ‘don’t care’ about being over the limit is ‘really alarming’, noting that he can often tell just by looking at caravans on the road that they aren't following proper compliance guidelines.
‘Some people are conscientious enough to want to be safe and legal, and some just aren't. They just don't care and don't want to know,’ he said.
The issue of overweight caravans is not new, but it's becoming increasingly prevalent as caravan travel gains popularity, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With international borders closed, Australians turned to domestic travel, leading to a surge in caravan sales and, unfortunately, a corresponding rise in caravan-related incidents.
The Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC) reported a 50 per cent increase in caravan collisions in 2021.
‘It is crucial caravan owners prioritise learning how to safely maintain, load and tow their vans,’ RAC Claims Manager Glen Walker said.
‘It’s also critical to keep the caravan balanced, with the correct weight on the tow-hitch, by distributing weight evenly when packing.’
The dangers of towing an overweight caravan are manifold. Excess weight can strain the vehicle's brake system, potentially leading to failure.
It can also cause the caravan to sway uncontrollably, increasing the risk of tipping over at high speeds.
Furthermore, the additional load can lead to mechanical failures, with parts or even tyres detaching and becoming hazardous projectiles on the road.
‘It's just really scary and very dangerous, to be honest. How many vehicles are getting around out there on the road that are susceptible to sway? Once they start swaying, it's very, very difficult to control. You're going to lose it. It's horrific when you see it,’ Dave said.
Australian towing regulations are clear: drivers must secure their load, adhere to licence restrictions, and follow the vehicle manufacturer's safety guidelines, which include maximum weight limits.
‘And we're not talking little amounts. We're talking about some of these vehicles being over by tonnes,’ Dave said.
‘If you are pulled over and your weights are not within the specifications, you can be fined and lose licence points for every infringement, and your vehicle will be deemed unroadworthy and therefore uninsured.
‘It's scary to think that the oncoming vehicle travelling at 100km/h could potentially be one of the 80 per cent we see.’
‘Road safety is no laughing matter.’
In light of these concerns, there have been renewed calls for a change in driver's licence requirements.
Road safety advocates, along with industry professionals like Dave, are urging for mandated training or a new licence class for motorists towing trailers or caravans of a certain size.
‘Any Joe Blow can go out with a heap of money in their pocket and buy a vehicle, not understand anything about it and hit the road,’ Dave said.
‘It's up to you as the purchaser to know.’
Have you checked your caravan's weight before hitting the road? Are you confident in your knowledge of safe towing practices? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.
The freedom of caravan travel is undeniable, but with this freedom comes a responsibility that, according to industry experts, is being neglected by a staggering number of Aussie travellers.
Dave Jason from Get-A-Weigh, a vehicle weighing service in NSW and Queensland, has raised the alarm over a common yet critical mistake: a significant majority of vehicles his team inspects are overloaded, surpassing the weight limit and failing to meet roadworthy requirements.
Dave's observations suggest that over 80 per cent of vehicles checked before a trip violate safety standards.
The implications are severe, not only for the safety of the driver and passengers but for everyone sharing the road.
This caravan mistake is often ignored by Aussie travellers. Credit: Shutterstock
Dave expressed that the number of people who ‘don’t care’ about being over the limit is ‘really alarming’, noting that he can often tell just by looking at caravans on the road that they aren't following proper compliance guidelines.
‘Some people are conscientious enough to want to be safe and legal, and some just aren't. They just don't care and don't want to know,’ he said.
The issue of overweight caravans is not new, but it's becoming increasingly prevalent as caravan travel gains popularity, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With international borders closed, Australians turned to domestic travel, leading to a surge in caravan sales and, unfortunately, a corresponding rise in caravan-related incidents.
The Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC) reported a 50 per cent increase in caravan collisions in 2021.
‘It is crucial caravan owners prioritise learning how to safely maintain, load and tow their vans,’ RAC Claims Manager Glen Walker said.
‘It’s also critical to keep the caravan balanced, with the correct weight on the tow-hitch, by distributing weight evenly when packing.’
The dangers of towing an overweight caravan are manifold. Excess weight can strain the vehicle's brake system, potentially leading to failure.
It can also cause the caravan to sway uncontrollably, increasing the risk of tipping over at high speeds.
Furthermore, the additional load can lead to mechanical failures, with parts or even tyres detaching and becoming hazardous projectiles on the road.
‘It's just really scary and very dangerous, to be honest. How many vehicles are getting around out there on the road that are susceptible to sway? Once they start swaying, it's very, very difficult to control. You're going to lose it. It's horrific when you see it,’ Dave said.
Australian towing regulations are clear: drivers must secure their load, adhere to licence restrictions, and follow the vehicle manufacturer's safety guidelines, which include maximum weight limits.
‘And we're not talking little amounts. We're talking about some of these vehicles being over by tonnes,’ Dave said.
‘If you are pulled over and your weights are not within the specifications, you can be fined and lose licence points for every infringement, and your vehicle will be deemed unroadworthy and therefore uninsured.
‘It's scary to think that the oncoming vehicle travelling at 100km/h could potentially be one of the 80 per cent we see.’
‘Road safety is no laughing matter.’
In light of these concerns, there have been renewed calls for a change in driver's licence requirements.
Road safety advocates, along with industry professionals like Dave, are urging for mandated training or a new licence class for motorists towing trailers or caravans of a certain size.
‘Any Joe Blow can go out with a heap of money in their pocket and buy a vehicle, not understand anything about it and hit the road,’ Dave said.
‘It's up to you as the purchaser to know.’
.png){kind=icon}
