Special to the News-Times
AUSTIN — Whether it’s taking a boat on a lake or operating a business, millions of Texans hitch a trailer to their vehicle every year. Knowing how to safely attach or tow a trailer can save lives. That’s why TxDOT is urging drivers to learn how to properly attach a trailer and drive safely, once it’s attached.
Wife and mother of three Kelly Hall of Tyler was tragically killed on March 8, 2021, when a food trailer became unhitched from the truck that was towing it and struck her vehicle.
To help avoid crashes like these, TxDOT is sharing these safety tips:
Choosing the correct equipment:
• Check your vehicle’s tow rating in the owner’s manual to confirm it can tow the trailer’s weight when fully loaded.
• Ensure your hitch ball is the correct size and capacity for the coupler, trailer and load. Hitch balls and couplers are stamped with their size and maximum weight capacities. Improper ball size or capacity could cause the trailer to detach from the tow vehicle.
• Check the tires’ pressure on the tow vehicle and trailer, including spare tires. Your vehicle’s tires may require a higher pressure while towing. Check the vehicle owner’s manual.
Tips for safely hitching a trailer:
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