The safety implications of a 2022 regulatory amendment that raised the maximum speed for cars towing unbraked trailers (up to 750 kg) from 60 km/h to 80 km/h were evaluated in this study. The regulation aimed to harmonize vehicle speeds, reduce overtaking, and enhance traffic flow; however, its impact on road safety remained unclear.
To address this, controlled track tests were conducted using two vehicles (Peugeot 5008) and two trailers: one with brakes and one without. The tests were performed with both loaded and unloaded trailers under predefined experimental conditions. Motion sensors with integrated GNSS technology were mounted on the trailers to measure speed, position, and accelerations (longitudinal and lateral) accurately.
Key Findings
- Braking Performance: Unbraked trailers demonstrated significantly longer braking distances at higher speeds, highlighting critical safety concerns compared to braked trailers.
- Deceleration: Loaded unbraked trailers exhibited substantially weaker deceleration, emphasizing increased risks, particularly at higher speed limits.
Implications for Road Safety
This study highlights the importance of balancing improved traffic flow with safety considerations. The results draw attention to the increased risks associated with towing unbraked trailers, particularly under real-world conditions such as wet surfaces and varying road temperatures. Further research into driver behaviour, environmental influences, and advancements in vehicle safety technology is crucial. These findings can provide key insights for shaping road safety policie