Unregulated Trailers Cause Havoc

Published: Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 8:06 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 8:06 a.m.

The Governor of North Carolina was courageous in his veto of the Law easing restricitions on the Size of Boat trailers. Has anybody really taken a closer look at the condition, upkeep and quality of these boat trailers and Utility Trailers in general.

In addition to being wide this class of vehicle passenger vehicles towing trailers have caused since 2002 to 2006 (Note 2006 figures are not final) 2,154 deahts, 74,202 injuries, 213,674 property damages. Source through FOIA NHSTA August 16.

Also the NHSTA back in the 60's tried to mandate a standard for trailer hitches but guess what? Just like in your state they got together and overrode the veto. Federal regulations were resisted by manufacturers and rental companies, and US transportation authorities finally dropped them in 1972.

Then on August 14, 2008 Mr. Ports, Jr from NHSTA admitted by letter that "NO Safety Standards exist for utility trailer hitches" Then he goes on to say that all 50 states have regulations regarding the operation of small trailers. Yet somehow we don't.

"In Idaho, there are no regulations that deal with private individuals and towing," said ISP spokesman Rick Ohnsman.

In Virginia ""HOWEVER, VIRGINIA STATE CODE IS SILENT AS TO ANY DESIGN OR

CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS FOR THOSE VEHICLES OR FOR TOWING

CHAINS AND HITCHES.

Your paper even addressed this in 1992 Novermber 7, 1992 Titled Death Comes Unhiched. In closing all trailers need closer inspections.

www.dangeroustrailers.org
Ron J. Melancon
Glen Allen, VA

A Family's Tourment Ron's Letter To The Editor

A Family's Tourment

Published: Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 6:44 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 6:44 a.m.

The Lobbiest once again has won for the Industry. This industry which includes Boat trailers, utility trailers and homemade trailers. In addition to this trailer industry not being regulated these trailers also come unchiched.

I will now point out one accident that happend in York County. This Family still does not know the person responsible...

On July 15, the male driver of a black or dark blue, 1980s model Ford F150 truck was towing a trailer on Highway 49 near Lake Wylie. On the trailer was an older model four-wheeler that was in poor condition and it appeared to have had parts removed from it. The trailer was homemade and consisted of metal beams and mobile home axles; the trailer was also in poor condition. This trailer came loose from the truck towing it and struck another vehicle. According to witnesses, the driver of the truck turned around as if to come back to the accident, but then he fled, leaving the 60-year-old driver of the other vehicle pinned in her car. The victim was flown to Carolinas Medical Center with life-threatening injuries and remains in serious condition.

Has anybody except your governor looked into other accidents caused by these trailers? In closing this family still has no clue who this person is and if this person survied.

You may go here to see the article..

http://yorkcountycrimestoppers.blogspot.com/2008/02/7152006-hit-and-run-near-lake-wylie.html

Ron J. Melancon
Glen Allen