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Question

Difficulty: EasyTowing Equipment and Safety Checks (Caravans & Trailers)

You are preparing to tow a braked trailer. Which safety device is designed to automatically apply the trailer's brakes if it becomes detached from your vehicle while driving?

  1. A breakaway cableAnswer
  2. B
    Extended towing mirrors
  3. C
    Increased tyre pressure valves
  4. D
    An anti-snaking stabiliser device

Answer

A breakaway cable
A breakaway cable is a thin steel cable attached to the trailer's handbrake and secured to a dedicated attachment point on the towing vehicle. If the trailer becomes detached while moving, tension in the cable applies the trailer's parking brake before the cable snaps, bringing the runaway trailer to a safe halt.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary safety requirement described in the scenario (activating the trailer brakes upon accidental detachment).
The requirement specifies an emergency mechanism designed to engage during an accidental uncoupling.
Trailers fitted with braking systems require a fail-safe device under UK law to prevent a runaway hazard.
2
Evaluate the function of a breakaway cable against the specified requirement.
The breakaway cable connects between the towing vehicle and the trailer handbrake, pulling the brake lever tight if the trailer uncouples.
Under UK towing regulations and the Highway Code, all braked trailers must have an operational breakaway cable correctly attached.

Key Concept

Function and legal requirement of a trailer breakaway cable
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Towing Equipment and Safety Checks (Caravans & Trailers)

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