Another week, another terrifying caravan rollover. Happily, the two people in the 4WD tow vehicle at the time of this accident in Victoria escaped uninjured … although they must have been severely shaken.
There has been a spate of caravan rollovers in recent weeks on all sorts of roads, and lessons must be learned. This latest incident happened last week soon after the caravanners passed a large truck on the Cobden-Warrnambool Road at Naringal East.
Senior Constable Mark Barby from Warrnambool police told the Standard newspaper that the tailwind from the rear of the truck was believed to have caused the caravan to swerve from side to side across the road.
The Standard reports that the driver, a woman in her 50s, tried to correct the caravan’s swerving and braked. However, the caravan then flipped on to its top, flicking the 4WD around 180 degrees before it stopped alongside a large tree by the side of the road.
Although the caravan completely disintegrated in the incident, both the driver and her passenger, a woman in her 30s, weren’t hurt. However, a man later suffered serious facial injuries at the scene of the crash. It is thought he may have been involved in the clean-up operation.
* Why do you think there are suddenly so many caravan rollovers happening? Have you had to deal with a ‘swaying’ caravan situation? Comment below.
Speed, towing at excess speed better to stay behind than overtake.
Agree 100% with your comment. Would just add one more comment “lack of ability and/or experience”.
Did all the vehicles have level riders. We find them definitely necessary. I also agree with the speed & experience comment. Some people decide in retirement to travel australia when never towed. They buy a 20ft plus van & have no idea what they are doing. I have been towing vans for 35yrs and very glad I have that experience.
Not all correct as a Transport & Coach driver for over 40 years +, incorrect loading, braking while it is swinging and No you dont need level riders or anti sway bars, on some only, some Cars they are a big No NO, our van was 2 t and the Alco hitch did not require them
So why don’t these PEOPLE have AL_KO ESC fitted to their vans as this would probably stop most of these Accidents
Hi Darian . May b they cant afford to buy esc. Regards. Graeme.
What price do you put on safety?
Anti-sway gear at the very least and education on load balancing; truck bow waves and ‘wind shadows’; etc. A minimum speed limit should be enforced in all states, to eradicate caravans and other vehicles being driven slowly for ‘economy’ forcing other drivers, including vans and RVs to take risks overtaking them. A driving test for anyone owing a caravan of any size, which has heavy emphasis on ‘towed vehicle behaviour’ under circumstances such as high or sudden wind, high speed, emergency stopping scenarios, heavy vehicle effects, and so on. This wont stop stupidity, unfortunately, but it might just save a life or two.
I cannot make a comment on this accident as I do not have enough of the facts like what speed was the van travelling at?, did the van move to the left of the road or stay close to the center line? and same questions about the truck. I have been sitting on 95 k and been overtaken by vans doing in excess of 100 k, usually younger blokes possibly inexperienced, not meaning to cast dispersion’s here. But I do agree with experience comments and speed related comments.
We have travelled a fair bit and never overtake trucks or big vans. We usually travel at 90km towing depending on conditions, use radio to let trucks know when they can pass and when we slow for them to do so. give a flick of lights to let them know they have safely passed us. When there are no overtaking lanes and the traffic is heavy we pull over for a while.
None of the investigations into these recent incidents have been concluded let alone released yet this doesn’t stop the armchair experts providing us with the benefits of their wisdom even though they most likely know absolutely nothing about what happened or why it happened and whose knowledge of the incident is restricted to viewing a couple of still photographs. Back off unless you actually know something about the reported incidents (like if you actually a witness or were involved in the incident).
Yep I’m with wandering Dave . These so called kings of the caravan towing world need to back off . I would love to b out there touring our great country but two arthritic knees and feet r preventing this from happening at the moment . These people r out doing what they like to do . As far as experience goes , you don’t get it by sitting in the lounge playing with your —- have a good day. Regards. Graeme.
hi all.who knows wat happened in the accident really better to wait and see I reckon
lots of factors in these type of accidents the rig does looks a mess
hope all are good
enjoy life
Just another reason to go fifth wheeler Safety safety safety
or maybe motor home
Have said it for years towing trailers should be another class on your licence just like heavy ridged , semi and B-double