05/04/2010 // West Palm Beach, Florida, USA // Sandra Quinlan // Sandra Quinlan
Fond du Lac, WI—As a preventative measure taken to avert potential accidents, motorists are being advised to take precautionary steps to ensure the safety of towing connections between vehicles and trailers. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) brought the important issue to light after a deadly crash occurred along U.S. Route 41 on April 20, 2010, according to information provided by HTRNews.com.
Whitney Radder, a 19-year-old University of Wisconsin-Green Bay student, was reportedly traveling on U.S. 41 when a trailer detached from a pickup truck and violently smashed into her vehicle. Radder was apparently heading back to the campus after participating in a student-teaching assignment when the fatal collision occurred. It was not stated if the aspiring teacher was transported to a hospital before succumbing to the severe injuries she sustained in the wreck.
Wisconsin State Patrol (WSP) Lt. Nick Scorcio noted, “For safe towing on roadways, state law requires that the ball-and-hitch coupling assembly must match exactly and fit securely.” Motorists were also warned that a violation of the law could result in a penalty of $200.50 and the addition of two demerit points on the offender’s license. The department’s reminder to maintain appropriate and safe towing connections was featured as the Law of the Month.
Scorcio provided motorists with the following recommendations with regard to safe towing:
• Make sure the object being towed, whether it be a boat, camper or trailer, is adequately secured to avoid unanticipated swaying.
• As a means of avoiding potentially lethal motor vehicle accidents, inspect axles and tires before hitting the road.
• Remember to carry a spare tire at all times.
WSP Lt. Nick Scorcio can be reached at (920) 929-3700 for more information.
Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Auto Accident Attorneys.
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