It's true enough that there is a lot of energy in a rope that snaps. I once saw a Range Rover where a NATO hitch had come through the windscreen and completely taken off the passsenger headrest.
However, the rope snapping shouldn't cause injury. Everybody will be in the cars and quite safe. Where it does get dangerous, as Rune Caster says, is where a bit of the car comes off and is quickly propelled to the other end of the rope.
For that reason, you never approach a rope while it has load on it.
There are two kinds of rope that are normally used, and I always have at least one of each with me. One is the stretchy kind, which does ease the snatching strain on all the fittings you fasten it to. The other is the older kind, which hardly stretches at all.
You use the first for recovery purposes, such as a muddy field, and the second for breakdown towing on the road.
I used to hold recovery licence number one for international car rallies, so I can give you lots more information on all that if you like. However, all you need to know is
What you have is fine
Use it with respect
Check the ends are secure
Don't approach it under load
Jim
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Topic: Tow rope
