I am 57 and passed my test when I was 17. I have worked in the garage trade all my working life, You name it I have driven it, from 44 ton arctics to a Heinkel Bubble car.I have towed with just about every type of towing device I can think of and yes I still cock it up sometimes. I know I am safe at continental towing speeds, in a large 4x4 pulling a medium sized van, but what about the idiot coming the other way or the twin axle pulled by a Ford Mondeo at at least 80mph that over took me on the motorway from Abbeyville to Rouen. I must admit I was glad to see him disappear into the distance.
I have been driving for 16 years (also in the motortrade) but only towing a caravan since May this year. But one thing I do know from the accident damaged vehicles I look at for a living speed and being overconfident when driving is not a good mix!
Oh Dear!! It seems that if we are towing at 60mph on the motorway, as we think safely, then a driver towing a caravan goes past us at 70mph he/she is a better driver than us. I think not!! I would rather be safe than sorry. My husband drove 35,000 miles a year with his job and never had an accident.He was a good driver and drove sensibly. One mistake on the motorway killed him.
Today on the M4 there was a Zafira towing a folding camper; overtook me while I was doing an indicated 68 (65 by GPS). It pulled in after a couple of hundred yards, hit a rut caused by lorries and the van bounced all over the place - settled down after 15 to 20 seconds - 2 miles down the road he did it again and still didn't slow down!
Quote: Originally posted by path20 on 28/7/2008
Oh Dear!! It seems that if we are towing at 60mph on the motorway, as we think safely, then a driver towing a caravan goes past us at 70mph he/she is a better driver than us. I think not!! I would rather be safe than sorry. My husband drove 35,000 miles a year with his job and never had an accident.He was a good driver and drove sensibly. One mistake on the motorway killed him.
Post last edited on 28/07/2008 19:13:44
A very tragic comment, and very apt message for those who still think they know better than the experts where speed is concerned.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Motorway speed!
