Be careful towing downhill: that's when accidents happen

Eighty percent of all towing related accidents happen when you're traveling downhill. It takes approximately three times longer to stop than if you were on a flat surface and the greater your speed the greater the stopping distance required. Here are a few tips for towing on downgrades.

Downshift on downgrades to lessen the braking action required. Reduce your speed. Remember that trailer sway is more likely to occur when descending inclines. On steep or long downgrades reduce gears and avoid prolonged brake use on the tow vehicle. The brakes can easily overheat and begin to fade. Use the vehicle brakes in intervals.

If the trailer becomes unstable when descending an incline and the trailer starts to sway, reduce your speed, avoid using the vehicle brakes, and manually activate the trailer brakes to regain control.

Do not travel above the posted speed limit on downgrades. Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.