According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, over 400 people are killed and 20,000 people are injured annually due to runaway trailers that were being towed by passenger vehicles. These auto accidents are caused by boat, camper, utility, and rental trailers that have become unhitched from the towing vehicle.

WHAT CAUSES RUNAWAY TRAILERS?

An unhitched trailer can be a deadly missile on the highway. The most common causes of a runaway trailer include:

1. Failing to use the correct size trailer ball and trailer couplers. If different sized trailer balls and couplers are used, the trailer can come unhitched if the trailer hits a bump.

2. Failing to use two safety chains.

3. Failing to connect the safety chains properly in a crossed pattern.

4. Failing to use adequate strength safety chains for the trailer.

5. Failing to use a hitch pin to secure the trailer coupler to the trailer ball.

MISSOURI LAW REQUIRES TRAILERS TO HAVE SAFETY CHAINS

Section 307.170 RSMo., requires, in part that, “Every towed vehicle shall be coupled to the towing vehicle by means of a safety chain, cable, or equivalent device in addition to the primary coupling device….such secondary safety connecting devices shall be of sufficient strength to control the towed vehicle in the event of failure of the primary coupling device.”

To protect against a runaway trailer accident, however, safety chains must be in good condition, connected correctly, and must never be allowed to twist, kink, or drag. When safety chains aren’t used properly, they may snap, providing zero protection against a runaway trailer.

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed due to a runaway trailer contact us today. Our firm is familiar with the severe and devastating consequences of runaway trailer collisions. Our auto accident attorneys have handled runaway trailer cases and can provide you with a free consultation to review the details of your case.