When you get a moment please go to
Dangerous Trailers.org.
Since 1976 14,840 people have been killed,, Since 1988 over 449,000 people have been injured and Since 1988 over 1,500,000 personal property has been destroyed or damaged including ATV's and Ski Doos.
Please note that 8 police officers, 2 firemen and 1 FBI agent have been killed by trailers that come loose and fly across the highway and kill people.
Most often they are not using safety chains, or putting the pin in the hole.
I have captured over 85 violations in the past week.
We have people who make them homemade with no idea what they are doing.... So my suggestion to you is acept the ticket because the next time your trailer can come loose and take someone's life.
The Family's in Maryland that lost their Fireman are bring a 19.1 million dollar lawsuit.
How would your family cope with this type of lawsuit.
These companies make them cheap... in fact one company called CARRY ON trailer spent over $7,500 and NATM has spent over 100,000 dollars in lobby money.
Carry On trailers tried to undo my "Reflector Tape Law" In Virginia because it cost about $8.00 dollars to comply.
These trailers have non working lights almost 50 per cent of the time.
Would you acept an ATM machine not working 50 per cent of the time?
So I thought that if a Firetruck, School Bus and a Tractor Trailer must have reflector tape on them... why not a black trailer that you can't see at night should have them.
Also please note that NO FEDERAL guildlines are in place for a Trailer Hitch.
and here is a summary of an accident in Virginia...
This is why I have not been able to get more done in Virginia.
Committees associated with this candidate:
Contributions Reported by Wittman Committees from
Carry-on Trailer Inc
Location: Lavonia, GA
Industry: Miscellaneous Manufacturing
>From through (select all years )
All Receipts Cash In-Kind Loans Contributions Totaling $5,000
Amount Date Committee Description
$2,500 03/21/2007 Wittman for Delegate - Robert Cash Donation
$2,500 09/27/2005 Wittman for Delegate - Robert Cash Donation
Here is the last page of the Crash Team's Report:
http://www.dangeroustrailers.org/uploads/TA14new.pdf
"In Summary, this crash was caused when a homemade trailer detached from the pick up
that towed it. It struck a Cadillac traveling in lthe opposing lanes of traffic, fatally
injuring the driver. Trailers are a special class of vehicle and all are subject to some
requirements regarding lights and chains. While the Code exempts some smaller trailers,
those designed to carry over 3000 pounds are required to have brakes and to be inspected
beyond the initial visual confirmations of a VIN plate.
"HOWEVER, VIRGINIA STATE CODE IS SILENT AS TO ANY DESIGN OR
CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS FOR THOSE VEHICLES OR FOR TOWING
CHAINS AND HITCHES. The purpose of this TECHNICAL ALERT is to draw attention
to the POTENTIAL dangers of unsafe trailers on roadways in the Commonwealth. In many
cases, towed trailers may be in OBVIOUS violations of safety codes that relate to lighting,
braking and inspection requirements. Wherever possible, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
should be trained in ways to quickly and easily identify such vehicles. In other cases, a trailer
may meet all legal requirements but still be hazardous when used in transportation. THE TEAM
RECOMMENDS THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, THE DEPARTMENT
OF STATE POLICE AND OR MEMBERS OF THE VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
REVIEW THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATIVE CODE AND CONSIDER WAYS TO
IMPROVE SAFETY WITH REGARD TO TRAILERS OPERATED ON VIRGINIA ROADS.
So yes.... I applaud the officer for finially enforcing the law.
My suggestion is to look at this video..
YouTube - Towing Safety, Mark's RV Garage
The next time you are driving.. it is my hope that someone in front of you does not loose their trailer.