If you're planning on towing a caravan, then one of the most important things to consider is the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other road users.
One of the key components of ensuring road safety when towing a caravan is your wing mirrors.
Wing mirrors, also known as side mirrors, are an essential safety feature on any vehicle. They provide drivers with a wider field of vision, allowing them to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles in their blind spots. When towing a caravan, this becomes even more important, as the added length and width of the caravan can obstruct your view of the road behind you.
Here are some tips for using your wing mirrors effectively when towing a caravan:
- Adjust your wing mirrors before setting off.
Before you hit the road, take some time to adjust your wing mirrors so that you have a clear view of the road behind you. Ensure that you can see the entire length of your caravan, as well as any other vehicles or obstacles that may be in your blind spots.
- Use extended wing mirrors.
If your vehicle is not already fitted with extended wing mirrors, then it's a good idea to invest in a set. These mirrors will give you an even wider field of vision, allowing you to see further back along the sides of your caravan.
- Check your wing mirrors regularly.
When you're towing a caravan, it's important to constantly monitor your surroundings. This means checking your wing mirrors regularly to ensure that you're aware of any other vehicles or obstacles that may be approaching from behind.
- Take extra care when changing lanes.
When changing lanes, take extra care to ensure that there are no vehicles or obstacles in your blind spots. Use your wing mirrors to check your surroundings before making any manoeuvres.
Towing a caravan can be challenging in windy conditions, as the wind can cause your vehicle and caravan to sway.
Keep an eye on your wing mirrors to ensure that your caravan remains stable and adjust your driving accordingly if necessary.
Convex or Flat Mirrors?
You’ll find two types of towing mirror glass, convex and flat. You might be asking yourself, what’s the difference? Here’s a simple explanation: convex mirrors give you a wider view, while flat mirrors are for parking and offer less reflection. Otherwise, there is no difference between these two types of towing mirrors. They both help you see what’s back there – round the corners.
From the www.gov.uk website:
“You must have an adequate view of the road behind you.
Fit suitable towing mirrors if your trailer or caravan is wider than the rear of your car.
You can be fined up to £1,000 and get 3 penalty points for towing without proper towing mirrors.”
In conclusion, wing mirrors are an essential safety feature when towing a caravan. By adjusting your mirrors before setting off, using extended mirrors, checking your mirrors regularly, taking extra care when changing lanes, and being aware of the wind, you can help to ensure that you and your passengers arrive safely at your destination.
Here at UK Camping and Leisure have a great range of towing mirrors for all your outdoor adventures.
