As a driver, you will be responsible for your passengers and how loose items are transported when you drive.

It's important that you have a good understanding of how to keep your passengers as safe as possible reduce injury in an accident.

Towing

Rule 98

Before towing. As a driver

• you MUST NOT tow more than your licence permits. If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you are restricted on the weight of trailer you can tow
• you MUST ensure that both your vehicle and your trailer are in a roadworthy condition. This includes checking that all tyres are legal, the trailer braking system is in full working order and all trailer lights are working correctly
• you MUST NOT overload your vehicle or trailer. You should not tow a weight greater than that recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle
• you should distribute the weight in your caravan or trailer evenly with heavy items over the axle(s) and ensure a downward load on the tow ball. The manufacturer’s recommended weight and tow ball load should not be exceeded. This should minimise the possibility of swerving or snaking and loss of control
• you MUST secure your load and it MUST NOT stick out dangerously. Make sure any heavy or sharp objects and any animals are secured safely. If there is a collision, they might hit someone inside the vehicle and cause serious injury
• if your vehicle is narrower than your trailer or load, or your trailer or load obstructs your rearward view, then towing mirrors MUST be used
• your trailer MUST be fitted with a secondary coupling device, such as a safety chain
• carrying a load or pulling a trailer may require you to adjust your headlights.

During towing. As a driver

• you should be aware that reduced speed limits apply (see Rule 124)
• you should be aware that your stopping distance may increase significantly when towing (see Rule 126)
• you MUST NOT drive in the right-hand lane on motorways with three or more lanes (see Rule 265)
• if the trailer starts to swerve or snake, or you lose control, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently to regain control. Do not brake harshly.

Breakdowns. In the event of a breakdown, be aware

• that towing a vehicle on a tow rope is potentially dangerous. You should consider using a solid tow bar or professional recovery
• it may take longer to build up speed when rejoining a carriageway (see also Rule 278).

Seatbelts & child restraints

Rule 99

You MUST wear a seat belt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles if one is fitted. Adults, and children aged 14 years and over, MUST use a seat belt or child restraint, where fitted, when seated in minibuses, buses and coaches. Exemptions are allowed for the holders of medical exemption certificates and those making deliveries or collections in goods vehicles when travelling less than 50 metres (approx 162 feet).

Rule 100

The driver MUST ensure that all children under 14 years of age in cars, vans and other goods vehicles wear seat belts or sit in an approved child restraint where required. If a child is under 1.35 metres (approx 4 feet 5 inches) tall, a baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion MUST be used suitable for the child’s weight and fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Rule 101

A rear-facing baby seat MUST NOT be fitted into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag, as in a crash it can cause serious injury or death to the child.

Rule 102

Children in cars, vans and other goods vehicles. Drivers who are carrying children in cars, vans and other goods vehicles should also ensure that

• children should get into the vehicle through the door nearest the kerb
• child restraints are properly fitted to manufacturer’s instructions
• children do not sit behind the rear seats in an estate car or hatchback, unless a special child seat has been fitted
• the child safety door locks, where fitted, are used when children are in the vehicle
• children are kept under control.

Once you have read through this section, let your instructor know so they can update your progress record.