Seeing is believing ...
What we see depends mainly on what we expect to see ...
"... Most of us at one time or another have experienced pulling out and narrowly missing a bicycle coming from the direction which you've just looked. Errors of this type are common because drivers are generally looking for cars or lorries but not for smaller objects such as bicycles or motorcycles which they fail to see. When we concentrate we don't just look at a particular part of a scene, we look for particular types of objects in that scene. We find it easier to detect objects that we expect to see, and react more quickly to them. Conversely we often fail to see objects that we do not expect to see."
Towing roadcraft - the essential towing handbook
Being conspicuous ...
In road safety terms conspicuity is how a road user or vehicle draws attention to its presence when other road users aren't actively looking for it, for example, by using fluorescent clothing (cyclists, pedestrians and lorry drivers) or using retro-reflective markings (if you're a truck or a lorry).
Conspicuity is an issue for drivers who tow. Even though other road users ought to see that you're towing, they don't ...
Conspicuity - the evidence
Research identified that accidents happened because drivers should have seen large, obvious vehicles but for some reason didn't. It also identified that improving vehicle visibility would offer the best prospects for improving road safety This research was behind the introduction of retro reflective markings on trucks.
Conspicuity and Towing
Conspicuity and perception are an issue for drivers who tow trailers:
- When you are driving in poor visibility at twilight or night or in weather conditions which reduce visibility
- In situations where other road users fail to see that you are towing a trailer in time
- In situations where other drivers fail to appreciate that you are towing and that you need more room and take longer to brake and accelerate.
- Some trailers are too low to be easily seen
- Emerging from a junction or busy roundabout where there are other vehicles, buildings or hedges means that trailers aren't always apparent
- When it's dark, it's more difficult to see in general. Trailers often aren't visible, especially from the side
- Even with larger trailers, their colour and/ or speed means that they often aren't conspicuous to other road users
Safe T-Signs are boldly designed to stand out and to be reflective in dark and poor lighting conditions. They are visible from 50m. Safe T-Signs can be seen on cars, even when other road users haven't noticed your trailer.
What people say about Safe T-Signs
“The main benefits of Safe T-Signs are that they get you noticed. On emerging you are in your most vulnerable position when towing so a reflective sign such as the Safe T-Sign certainly gets attention of other road users. We wouldn't tow without them.”
George Ritchie, Director, Three Shires Driving Centre Ltd.
"The main benefit of Safe T-Signs is the greater presence they give a tow vehicle when emerging at junctions, especially in conditions of reduced visibility."
Martin Lovell ADI & Trailer Instructor.
"I was 'caught out' by the change to the B+E test requiring a 600kg load; having taken delivery of my marginally under-powered and over-geared car a few days before the final details were announced. As expected, this has blunted my car and trailer's performance, especially moving off from stationary at junctions, where anything that means other road users have some idea as to your 'limitations' helps. Although it's difficult to assess whether or not the Safe T-Sign has made a difference, we've not had any 'hairy moments' since applying the signs to my car doors prior to training and tests. A quality product that 'does what it says' and creates the right impression."
Martin Hall, ADI and Trailer Instructor.
Whatever kind of trailer you’re towing, Safe T Signs mean Safe Towing! Be seen and be safe when you emerge from junctions or roundabouts, and when you are towing in the dark. Buy Safe T Signs from our website here: http://www.safetowing.co.uk/buy-now.htm
