Compulsory Extra Training For Caravan Owners

[Booldawg]

Driving on the M25 I spotted a familiar site for a Bank Holiday weekend; a caravan on its side in the fast lane.

I think taking a caravan on the UKs road should warrant extra training with an exam at the end. Inexperience is often the cause of caravan related motoring mishaps. Agree?

[sherrardk]

I agree - we hired a caravan and himself just drove it away (there were one or two hair raising moments in France).

[mushroom25]

the authorities could start by enforcing the law, which they don't round here. it doesn't happen to matter how big or powerful your car is. it doesn't matter how fast you're travelling or able to travel. caravans are not permitted in lane 3.

[Hopkirk]

They drive too fast, realise it is beginning to weave and hit the brakes.

Next thing they know it is overtaking them.

I must admit I let out a very loud cheer when I hear 'overturned caravan' on the traffic news.

[Booldawg]

haha, lol Hopkirk - you're harsh!

[Hopkirk]

By the way, anyone who passed their test after 1997 already has to pass a test to get B+E on their licence, to tow a caravan.

[DJHawkes]

they also slide quite well, it may have overturned in lane 1 or 2

[DJHawkes]

oooo can i tow a caravan then? I didn't realise.......

[TWR]

I've seen them on their sides, I've seen them up-side down, they never learn, a lot forget that they have a small articulated Vehicle behind them, they load them wrong, never check tyres or the weight the car can pull, I've seen children IN THE caravan whilst towing, yes, driving these units should come with training & a test should follow & a cert issued, the main cause for accidents with these! Speed, they are limited to 60mph & not allowed in the outside lane,

[mushroom25]

// it may have overturned in lane 1 or 2 //
true, but i've lost count of the amount of trailers i've had to follow in lane 3 on the m6 - usually hauled by agressive looking 4x4s driven by hairy men with no necks and england football shirts.

[Booldawg]

luckily it was on the other side of the motorway. So I could enjoy watching people going the other way having to queue.

[Hopkirk]

http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/helpandadvice/courses/becourse/

Looks like I am not totally correct.

You only need B+E on your licence if the car and caravan together weigh 3.5 tonnes or over.

[TWR]

must admit I let out a very loud cheer when I hear 'overturned caravan' on the traffic news.

An Experienced / professional driver would not say that Hop.

[mayennaise]

Just got back from a race day at the local stock car track - last race was a caravan destruction derby - brilliant - and the best place for the damn things IMO!

[Hopkirk]

You won't enjoy this then, TWR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zGmk8PPoPM

[TWR]

It would have been an Idea if the idiot driving the car / caravan had someone to watch him / her reverse, there are drivers & there are drivers. have a safe one.

[marje]

My sister and her husband took lessons on safe caravan towing and reversing, parking etc. It should be compulsory IMO.

[sunny-dave]

Caravans should only be allowed on the road between midnight and 5 am ...






... in November.

[tonyav]

Totally agree Booldawg, if it wasn't for those things I'd have most probably got home about half an hour earlier than I did this evening. Travelling back up the M1 and the M6 from Santa Pod there seemed to be hundreds of the bloody things.

[tonyav]

dave, have to disagree with that, 2am to 5am would be better.

[gness]

I agree that training and a test should be compulsory but I will not tow my caravan at hours and speeds to suit drunk elephants and bloody Saab drivers who think they own the sodding road. Stay behind me, relax and enjoy the countryside as I do then you wouldn't be so blasted grumpy. x