Police Urge Proper Trailer Hitch Safety
Each year hundreds of people die in accidents due to a trailer hitch that is not properly secured. With more than 36 million people expected to hit the roads this Memorial Day weekend, experts are warning motorists to be careful.
“Any time you’re hooking up a vehicle to a trailer you want to make sure that you have the proper hitch for the weight that you’re hauling,” said Crystal police Sgt. Jon Kurtz, who has seen some trailer mishaps on the roads.
Sgt. Kurtz also suggests motorists check tires on trailers to make sure there’s enough air in them. Many trailers have sat outside all winter and fell victim to harsh conditions.
“I need to get a new ball because it’s rusty,” said Carla Herling as she pointed to her hitch.
The Crystal resident likes to haul rocks and other items and says she constantly checks her hitch. Herling’s biggest complaint is other motorists drive too close to trailers.
“Back off. Give them plenty of room,” she said.
Broadway Rental in Brooklyn Park expects to have plenty of trailer rentals this weekend. Before trailers leave the lot, Broadway Rental experts make sure customers know the dos and don’ts for hooking up a trailer.
Trailer Hitch Safety Tips
Wes Anderson with Broadway Rental, gave us these tips:
1. Ensure that the towing vehicle is capable of safely towing the trailer
2. Draw bar must be secured to the vehicle hitch with a cross pin and a safety pin or locking device to keep the pin from coming loose
3. Safety chains are also very important should something happen to the trailer hook-up
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety also a YouTube video on trailer safety.
