Unregulated Trailers Cause Havoc
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
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