Should vehicle being towed backward have extra lights or flashers

Posted Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at 12:18 PM

Borrowed from internet blog. http://www.guzer.com/pictures/truck_head_on.php

Yesterday we were approaching Hwy 231 on Hwy 82 and watched carefully as we came up on a truck that appeared to be on the wrong side. We had time to slow down and determine it was being towed backwards.

However, if we were on a four-lane and pulled out to pass someone who had been blocking our view, we might react violently to seeing a vehicle that appeared to be coming straight at us. If it was real, you would have very little time to react, so should these type of towing jobs have flashing, emergency lights rather than just temporary break lights?

It would still make my heart beat faster, but I may be able to quickly KNOW that it was not a head-on about to happen.

Comments
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A banner would certainly help. I have seen people make fun of us who do a double-take but at 70 mph on interstate that could, and probably has been a killer.

-- Posted by stevemills on Wed, Jul 15, 2009, at 8:17 PM

Blinker and Brakes are all that are required.

I however have a banner that states "IN TOW"

-- Posted by herewegoagain;-) on Wed, Jul 15, 2009, at 2:50 PM

What I saw yesterday was a temporary set of lights attached to the front panel, but it just showed a blinker and break lights.

Do you mean other lights that help identify it as being in tow are supposed to be there as well?

-- Posted by stevemills on Wed, Jul 15, 2009, at 2:37 PM

It is the LAW in all States. My vehicle is wired for towing either way. I had to do this to meet DOT requirements.

-- Posted by herewegoagain;-) on Wed, Jul 15, 2009, at 2:24 PM

Yes, as a matter of fact I thought it was the law.

-- Posted by leeiii on Wed, Jul 15, 2009, at 12:20 PM

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Steve Mills

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Steve Mills and his wife have one daughter and live on a farm outside of Bell Buckle. They previously owned two coffee/ice cream shops, currently operate an internet sales company and teach classes, but his primary job involves the paper industry worldwide. Hobbies and interests lie in gardening, photography, recorded music and of course, their pets.

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