One fact that I've read (and you've no doubt witnessed first-hand) is
that almost all accidents are due to a combination of factors, not
usually a single item.
A blown tire might be a non-event for a good driver on dry pavement. Add
in a bit of rain or a less-than-expert (or even tired) driver and you
have a disaster.
A too-light tow vehicle with a less-than-optimum hitch might not cause
any problems until the driver decides that he should be out there in the
left lane, mixing it up with the 18-wheelers at 70MPH.
If you try to keep ALL of your ducks in a row at ALL times, you should
come out OK. If you are aware that you have one parameter out of line,
you'd better park it if a second one isn't perfect. IE: you know your
hitching setup isn't quite what 'the book' says, but elect to go anyway.
You'll likely get away with it, but be smart enough to sit out rush hour
traffic, bad weather, or fatigue.
I read some time back (don't remember where) that a vehicle pulling a
trailer is 4 times as likely to be involved in an accident as a solo
outfit. It's unwise to push your luck by driving as if you ARE solo.
<<Jim>>
asbestos wrote:
>
> I am glad to see everyone concerned about this issue,
> One thing I would like to say about this subject is this. You can have the
> biggest most powerful engine, the best suspension, the best hitch, four
> wheel drive etc. etc. In the end, speed and poor judgment will put in
> harm's way.
> as a volunteer firefighter I have seen my share of MVC's The vast majority
> are caused
> by just plain going to fast. Sometimes to fast is 10 MPH. Rain, wet leaves,
> oil film etc etc can all have a huge negative effect on control and
> stopping distance. All those thousands of pounds are controlled by a few
> square inches of hard rubber on smooth asphalt or concrete. I figure the
> best set-up on the best vehicle will not save a poor driver. as well as the
> best driver can not save a poor set up. If you believe in taking chances
> that is your business but when you take to the public highways you are
> forcing everyone else to assume whatever risk you take.
> Remember there is a difference between 'can' and 'should' just ask all the
> people who we pull out of there SUV's during the few snowstorms we have each
> year.
--
<<http://www.oldengine.org/members/jdunmyer>>
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<<lower SE Michigan, USA>>
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