Safety margins
You are towing a loaded trailer. How does this affect your stopping distance?
- It has no effect on stopping
- It shortens your stopping distance
- It only matters when going uphill
- The extra weight lengthens your stopping distanceCorrect
Why?
Rule 160 of The Highway Code reminds you that the extra weight of a trailer affects braking and acceleration, so you need a longer stopping distance. Leave a bigger gap and, on a downhill, select a lower gear to help control your speed.
Highway Code rule 160