Driving with a heavy load or pulling a trailer

 

You will need a light vehicle license in order to drive the vehicle being toward. Some drivers may not be aware that this license is necessary when a trailer is hitched to a vehicle or when driving with a heavy load on board. You will find detail of permitted trailer loads in your driver's manual, along with the maximum tow bar download that the vehicle can pull. Consult your driver's manual to determine the maximum safe loads permitted for your vehicle and the proper distribution of that lo 

Before setting out, make sure:   

    That the caravan or trailer is properly loaded

   That the caravan or trailer is correctly hitched

   That the emergency wire is properly connected.

  That the light and electric brake are properly connected.

 That all lights work and all lamps, reflectors, plates, etc. are clean. 

That the supporting leg and wheels are securely screwed in position.

You should never carry more passengers that allowed. The driver's view of the road must never be obstructed by either load or passengers. Nor should they be allowed to prevent the driver from having control of the vehicle at all times.

A child should never sit on the lap of an adult in a moving car 

Pay special attention to your driver's manual to know the permitted roof load when using any type of roof rack. Any load placed on the roof will be above the center of gravity of the vehicle and will increase the likelihood of it rolling over. Check that your roof rack is securely fastened, and make sure that braking, accelerating or turning a corner will not displace the load. Position the load up against the front edge of the roof rack and secure it in place with some material strong enough to prevent it from rolling, slipping or falling out of place. If you use a tarpaulin, remember the effect of wind. Distribute the load evenly, taking care not to overload that rear. Check the tires and see that the lights are properly adjusted 

Make sure the load is firmly secured, and check frequently! 

A heavy load or incorrect tire pressure can affect your cars performance, particularly its ability to take corner, its acceleration capacity, and the braking capacity, and the braking distance. With the car fully or heavily loaded, it will also take longer to overtake, since the engine will have a heavily load to pull. Similarly, the braking distance will increase when driving downhill, since the car is pushed forward by the weight of load.

Millions of tons of dangerous goods are transported on the roads each year.

If you are in any way involved in an accident with a vehicle displaying a hazard warning, extreme caution is imperative