What must be checked before driving a vehicle with a trailer?

Before driving a vehicle with a trailer, it is crucial to ensure that the trailer is correctly hitched and secured to the towing vehicle. Proper hitching is vital for safety; if the trailer is not properly connected, it could detach while driving, leading to serious accidents. A secure connection ensures that the weight of the trailer is properly distributed, reducing the risk of swaying or losing control.

Checking the hitch involves looking for signs that it is properly secured and locked, ensuring that safety chains are attached, and confirming that the electrical connections for the trailer lights are also made. This step is foundational to safe towing practices and is essential for legal compliance on the road.

While the functioning of trailer lights and the weight of the trailer are important safety considerations, they are secondary to the initial requirement of ensuring the trailer is securely hitched. Perceptions about the aesthetics of painting the hitch or the trailer being empty do not contribute to the immediate safety and stability needed when towing a trailer.