Police warn caravanners about perils of overtaking
Terrifying Stuart Highway roll-over highlights risks of overtaking when towing a caravanPolice have issued a warning to holiday-makers to take care when over-taking with a caravan in tow, after an elderly couple escaped serious injury after rolling their caravan rig on the Stuart Highway last month.
South Australia police released photos on social media of the aftermath of the caravan roll-over that left a four-wheel drive SUV and large caravan severely damaged and in pieces along the side of the highway.
According to an ABC report the roll-over took place about 40km north of Coober Pedy in Outback South Australia on June 26.
"This incident had the potential to cause death or serious injury, but luckily did not," the South Australia Police said.
"This driver fortunately escaped serious injury when they attempted to overtake another vehicle also towing a caravan.
"The overtaking driver lost control and rolled, completely destroying their car, their caravan, and their holiday!"
"The other vehicle remained untouched."
The police offered a number of safety tips for drivers to prevent a similar accident from occurring, including storing items in the caravan evenly and securely, and to "double check" the condition of the tow vehicle and caravan including couplings, chains, brakes, and tyres before and during a trip.
Other advice included accelerating, braking and steering smoothly and gently, and slowing down when larger vehicles pass in either direction, to prevent caravan sway.
They also advised allowing for extra time and space when overtaking with a caravan in tow.
Other caravan towing safety tips can be found here.
Related:
Why you shouldn't overtake when towing
Video: Caravan jackknifes in front of truck
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