SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100

Trailer Accident Survey Yields Tips

Research from the roadside assistance program USRider and large-animal rescue experts Drs. Tomas and Rebecca Gimenez shows that improper maintenance, operator error and equipment mismatch cause the majority of horse trailer wrecks. After three years of study, the following recommendations emerged as key to preventing trailer accidents:



1.  Drive slightly under the speed limit, and double the following distance recommended for passenger cars.



2.  Don’t talk on your cell phone; it’s as dangerous as driving drunk.

3.  If you have a flat tire, continue on until you find a safe place to pull off the road—even if it means sacrificing your wheel. Then, have a professional change your tire.

4.  Replace your tires every three to five years with properly rated tires, and check for proper tire inflation at least every 30 days. Have regular maintenance performed on your trailer, including trailer axles serviced annually or at 6,000 miles, whichever comes first.

5.  Always drive with your headlights on, and apply reflective material to the back of your trailer.

6.  Be sure the hitch on your towing vehicle is the correct type, size and rating to match the coupler.

7.  For safer balance, when driving a straight-load trailer, always load a single horse or the heavier horse on the left side of the trailer.

8.  Outfit horses in shipping boots and a head bumper for hauling, and always carry a vet-approved first-aid kit.

For more information, or to participate in the ongoing study, visit www.usrider.org

View Comments

  • Great tips to live by. I agree with them all. Safety should always come first. Especially with a loaded trailer

Recent Posts

The Beautiful Akhal-Teke

The Akhal-Teke horse—pronounced like “apple” with a K instead of the P’s, and “techie”—is one of the rarest horse breeds…

23 hours ago

Barn Banter – Episode 25: Sponsored by Adequan

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 25, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…

3 days ago

A Horse Owner’s Most Difficult Decisions

Making difficult care decisions for a horse that has been closer to us than many family members can be traumatizing…

4 days ago

2024 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Preview

There’s only one place in North America where you can experience top international horse show competition combined with all the…

5 days ago

How Horses Helped a Law Student

On July 4, 2016, law student Leah McKeever went to the barn for a special project. She and her mom,…

5 days ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: TJ

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

6 days ago