I recently came across a powerful video on YouTube posted by Ron Melancon, founder of the organization, Dangerous Trailers.org. This video really drives home the point that runaway trailers can cause devastating car accidents that result in catastrophic injuries and loss of life. Accidents involving runaway trailers usually occur as a result of them not being properly secured to a vehicle.

Runaway Trailer Accidents in California

California is no stranger torunaway trailer accidents and its aftermath. Statistics on these accidents are not readily available because the government does not keep track of these incidents very well. However, a recent Los Angeles Times investigation identified 540 runaway trailer accidents from news reports and court files between 2000 and 2007. These accidents resulted in hundreds, if not thousands, of injuries and at least 164 deaths. It is very likely that there were many more runaway trailer accidents, injuries and deaths that were not reported by news sources.

The Numbers Speak Volumes

Melancon estimates based on extensive research of federal crash and fatality statistics that since 1975, more than 15,213 people have died as a result of passenger cars that tow trailers. Many more have suffered catastrophic injuries. In addition, since 1988, 468,462 injuries and over 765,058 vehicles, boats, campers and other items have been destroyed and damaged. In 2009 alone, runaway trailers claimed 392 lives and injured 18,634 people.

The Need for Legislation

Prior attempts to introduce safety legislation with regard to runaway trailers have been blocked by companies such as Carry-On Trailers, U-Haul and NATM. The most common violations, which very often result in terrible accidents, include non-working tail lights, wrong size hitch balls matched to wrong size hitches, lack of safety chains, unconnected safety chains, unsecured or improperly secured cargo, bald tires, homemade trailers and double axle trailers in violation of inspections. Melancon also, rightly points out a complete lack of a unified standard when it comes to trailers.

Melancon became an activist after he was himself involved in a runaway trailer accident. Thankfully, he was not seriously injured. But it made him deeply aware of the others who suffered serious personal injuries or death as a result. It made him think about those innocent people who died and families who tragically lost loved ones. Melancon is absolutely right – it is time for change and to stop any more of this very preventable accident from recurring.

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