Whether you are hauling a boat to the lake, using a trailer to move new furniture, or taking a camper out for a weekend getaway, towing does increase the risk of driving on the road. According to a study on NHSTA crash data, there were an estimated 69,389 national passenger-vehicle trailer-towing accidents causing roughly 500 fatalities and 25,054 nonfatal injuries in 2023. 

Towing a trailer is all about control, foresight, and understanding. When you hitch a trailer to your vehicle, your margin for error shrinks significantly. Here are some of the top risks you face while towing: 

1. Trailer Sway

Perhaps the most terrifying experience for any driver is trailer sway. This occurs when external forces—such as side winds, drafting from large semi-trucks, or sudden steering inputs—cause the trailer to oscillate side-to-side.

The Risk: If the sway isn't corrected immediately, it can lead to a "jackknife" scenario where the trailer pushes the rear of the towing vehicle sideways resulting in a total loss of control.

Prevention

Ensure your tongue weight is roughly 10% to 15% of the total trailer weight. Too little weight on the hitch is the primary cause of instability.

2. Rear-end Accidents

With the extra weight added behind the vehicle, your brakes must work significantly harder to counteract the moment of the trailer and come to a stop. 

The Risk: If you brake too quickly or are towing a load that exceeds your vehicle's capacity, the added momentum can cause the trailer to push against the towing vehicle. This may lead to loss of braking control, longer stopping distances, and rear-end collisions.

Prevention

Trailer Brake Controller

Relying solely on the vehicle's brakes without a functional trailer brake controller is a recipe for disaster. A trailer brake controller is an electronic device installed in your tow vehicle that regulates the amount of braking force applied to the trailer's brakes. It helps synchronize the trailer's braking with the towing vehicle, ensuring smooth stops and reducing the risk of rear-end accidents. 

With a properly adjusted controller, the trailer and vehicle can slow down together, minimizing stress on your vehicle's brakes and greatly improving overall safety.

3. Blind Spots and Maneuverability

A trailer significantly extends your vehicle. This creates massive blind spots, particularly along the sides of the trailer. 

The Risk: Many drivers forget that their turning radius has expanded, leading to "curb jumping" or collisions with stationary objects like fuel pumps or parked cars.

Prevention

• Adjust and extend your side mirrors to maximize visibility along the trailer’s length. 
• Consider installing additional towing mirrors if your current ones don't offer a clear view. 
• Always check mirrors frequently and use your signals well in advance to alert other drivers of lane changes or turns. 
• When making wide turns, slow down and start the turn later than you would with a solo vehicle to avoid hitting curbs or stationary objects. 

• If possible, plan your route to avoid tight corners and congested areas. Practicing turns in an empty parking lot can help you get comfortable with your trailer’s expanded turning radius.

   

4. Mechanical Failures: Tires & Bearings

Trailers often sit idle for months, leading to dry-rotted tires and seized wheel bearings. A "blowout" while towing at highway speeds is far more dangerous than a standard flat tire because the shifting weight can instantly flip the trailer. 

Prevention

• Inspect your trailer tires before every trip. Check for visible cracks, dry rot, and any signs of bulging or uneven wear. Don't forget to check the spare tire as well. 
• Additionally, always keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Include items such as a jack, lug wrench, reflective triangles, a flashlight, gloves, and basic tools—so you're prepared to handle unexpected breakdowns safely and efficiently.

Insurance Coverage

• Physical Damage: To cover the trailer against theft, fire, or collision damage, you usually need to add an endorsement on your existing auto policy.

Safety while towing is a combination of proper equipment, attentive driving, and the right financial protection. Call your insurance agent to confirm exactly what is covered under your Auto Insurance Policy.