Calls for state government to offer subsidy for towing course to caravan amid horror road toll

There are calls for the state government to offer subsidised towing courses in a bid to reduce caravan fatalities on Queensland roads. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Mel Shumack with her children Belle Bos and Grace Bos say they support calls for caravan towing courses. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen / Courier Mail

There are calls for the state government to offer subsidised towing courses in a bid to reduce caravan fatalities on Queensland roads.

Almost 150 lives were lost on our roads in the first half of this year and while statistics do not specifically identify crashes involving caravans (instead only featuring a subcategory for any accident involving a trailer), the Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Queensland is advocating for government subsidies on the cost of towing courses.

Last year, this masthead reported a push for caravan drivers to undergo special licence tests following a spate of horrific fatal accidents involving vans or other recreational vehicles.

There have since been several more fatal accidents involving caravans, including one on the Bruce Highway in late May and another on the Western Downs this week.

According to Queensland government statistics, there were 50 fatalities and almost 1000 hospitalisations from accidents involving cars towing trailers or caravans from 2017-2021.

CTIQ chief executive Jason Plant stopped short of endorsing calls for special licences, but said a subsidy on towing courses, which could be incorporated into the state government’s Safer Roads, Better Transport plan or VANSafe initiatives, would be a welcome measure.

Jason Plant CEO Caravan Exo at the RNA Showgrounds, Bowen Hills. Photo Steve Pohlner

“We’re in favour of more education rather than more regulations, so we would strongly advocate for incentives or subsidies on towing courses,” he said.

“If the courses were subsidised you would see more people taking it up.

“We see people respond very well to education measures.

“We think these courses are vitally important and we urge everyone to do one, but recognise that cost can sometimes be a barrier.”

Enjoying a school holiday break with her family at BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, Mel Shumack said subsidising towing courses was a great idea.

“We would definitely do it,” she said.

“It’s a really good idea because there are a lot of people on the roads towing vans who have got no idea.

“The amount of trailers you see jackknifed or lurching into the wrong lane, things can go wrong very quickly.”

A smashed 4WD and caravan from the scene of the Bruce Highway crash at Bajool.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Transport and Main Roads said there was scope for contributions to be made to road safety initiatives under TMR’s Community Road Safety Grants program.

“TMR can contribute to non-government organisations delivering road safety education,” the statement said.

“As part of TMR’s commitment to keeping everyone safe on the road, we provide ongoing and targeted education about caravan safety through the StreetSmarts road safety education program.

“TMR provides a wealth of information to assist drivers on safe caravan packing, towing and driving techniques on the StreetSmarts website.”

Accidents involving caravans often have devastating consequences on Queensland roads. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

Last year, Tony Maddison, director of towing technology company WiTi, said caravan and RV owners should be required to undergo an accredited towing course along with passing a test for a licence before they hit the open road.

“In most cases, drivers only need their car licence and they can hitch up three tonnes or more of caravan and take it out on the roads with no training whatsoever … which is just crazy,” he said.

Originally published as Calls for state government to offer subsidy for towing course to caravan amid horror road toll