Drive calls for Australia to implement a towing license
Drive Advocates for Mandatory Towing Licence in Australia
Get ready to hitch up safely, folks! With the holiday season just around the corner and Aussie roads preparing for a surge in traffic, the experts at Drive.com.au have sparked an important conversation with their call for a nationally recognised towing endorsement on Australian driver’s licences. They believe this initiative is a key ingredient for a recipe of road safety – and we can’t help but agree!
Who doesn’t love a good road trip with the family caravan in tow? It’s pretty much an Australian tradition! In fact, with the cost of international travel skyrocketing, more families are turning to caravanning as an affordable holiday alternative. Interestingly, although there’s a whole caravan brigade out roaming our streets, currently no specific training or licence requirements are in place for towing this kind of load. That’s right – any driver, with a full license, can tow up to 800,000 caravans, campervans, and camper trailers registered in Australia!
“Many a family journey starts with a brand-new caravan at the dealership, and from there on, it’s a steep learning curve on the roads, especially during the busy season,” explains James Ward, Director of Content at Drive. He emphasizes the importance of drivers understanding the nuances of towing large weights and experiences that come with different road conditions – a point underscored by the launch of Drive’s new petition for change.
Daniel Sahlberg, CEO of the Caravan Industry of Victoria, further clarified the situation. “The caravanning landscape has evolved – we’re not dealing with the quaint pop-tops of yesteryears anymore. The new breed of caravans measures almost 10 metres and tips the scales at over 3,500 kilograms, which requires improved driving skills and better regulation.”
Tips from Drive on How to Tow Like a Pro:
- Know how to get hitched: Make sure your caravan or trailer is securely locked onto your car; an unlocked hitch could lead to a runaway situation!
- Know your weights: Understand the weight your vehicle can handle and how to balance the load correctly. It’s about team work between your car and your caravan!
- Know your conditions: Always check the weather forecast before you embark on your journey. Windy conditions, in particular, could pose a significant challenge to your towing control.
“We’re all about putting drivers in the know, that’s our jam here at Drive,” concludes James Ward. “However, education alone doesn’t cut the mustard. The towing endorsement is a step towards more responsible driving habits on our busy roads.”
To support this cause and help usher in a safer driving environment, Drive is welcoming all to sign the petition at: change.org.
About Drive:
Drive.com.au stands proud as Australia’s premiere car-loving hub since 1996, offering a treasure trove of information for anyone who wants to buy, sell, or simply learn more about cars. With an extensive network that reaches over 4 million Aussies each month across various digital and traditional platforms, Drive is committed to present the freshest, most reliable automotive content. They even host the venerable Drive Car of the Year awards – rounding up its 18th celebration in 2024!
Part of the Nine Entertainment family, you can tune into Drive on a plethora of platforms, including the robust nine.com.au, various big-name papers, and catch them making waves on TV and radio. Do keep an eye out for Season Seven, Eight, and Nine of Drive TV set to broadcast in 2024!
So, whether you’re a seasoned caravan driver or a newbie, it sounds like Drive has got our backs, calling for a better, safer towing tomorrow. It’s your turn to chip in – throw your support behind the cause, and let’s make our roads safer together!
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