Decline in towing collisions undermined by maintenance issues

Towing-related incidents on Britain’s roads have increased by nearly a quarter in the past four years, despite a 17% reduction in collisions involving towed vehicles, an analysis of data put together by the UK Towing Safety Alliance (UKTSA) has revealed.

Using data from National Highways’ Strategic Road Network (SRN), the UKTSA says the 23% increase between 2022 and 2025 has largely been driven by a “growing maintenance crisis”.

The UKTSA, a partnership organisation from across the transport industry whose members include the National Caravan Council and the Camping and Caravanning Club, says the 17% reduction in collisions is “welcome”, and shows that there have been improvements in driver training (see: our guide to caravan towing courses), behaviour and awareness.

But it adds that the condition of vehicles and trailers is now the greatest challenge facing the sector, with breakdowns accounting for 77% of all towing-related incidents.

The report does highlight an increasing divide between leisure and commercial towing. It identifies improving trends in the leisure towing sector, with fewer horsebox incidents and a reduction in caravan incidents in some areas. It says this shows that targeted awareness campaigns may be having a positive impact.

But Approved Workshop Scheme manager Reece Wigmore said there was no room for complacency, as figures also suggest that maintenance standards for both commercial and domestic trailers require more attention.

He said, “Regular servicing, routine maintenance, and correct loading and coupling to the tow vehicle is essential. Greater awareness of safe towing practices is also key to keeping caravans roadworthy, preventing avoidable incidents and protecting both caravan owners and other road users.”

For those who are heading off on tour soon, don’t miss our pick of the towing equipment that can help you have a safe and enjoyable experience on the road. If this will be your first summer of caravanning too, don’t miss our tips on towing a caravan for the first time.

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PeterBaber

Peter Baber is Reviews Editor of Practical Caravan. His first caravan reviews date back to the early 1990s during his first stint working for the magazine, before he embarked on a 20-year career in business journalism which saw him edit a wide variety of magazines, and launch a few too, including one that won an award. Although he enjoyed that, he always knew he wanted to come back to the world of caravans and camping, having first got interested in it during two summers working as a campsite holiday rep in Switzerland in the 1980s. Peter reports on all the new models that make it to dealer forecourts each season, giving his judgement online and in magazine reviews. When he is not working, he likes to improve his skills at throwing pots (he is part of a pottery studio near where he lives and has just started selling his wares), indulges in a bit of baking, and likes playing tennis.