The following information was posted by “Mudguts” on the MSN Groups Caravanners Forum.

The Caravan Industry Association statistics indicate there are over 325,000 towed recreational vehicles throughout Australia as of Dec 2005 and gives projections of a continued growth rate of around 7-8% or lets say about 25000 a year over the next 5 years.

The Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia’s website states that new van production has increased dramatically over the past decade (almost 50% since 1999)

RV Industry Statistics from their website http://www.rvmaa.com.au/statistics.html (link no longer valid)

Note: Figures are based on ABS registration data from 95 to 03, and on RVMAA estimates for 04 & 05.

At this rate it is likely that the number of recreational vehicles on the road will exceed 500,000 within 5-6 years. It means another 22000 new vans hit the road this year.

So who is buying them? The industry isn’t/doesn’t collect this data but it is a not an unreasonable assumption to say that many, perhaps the vast majority are baby boomers currently retiring in vast numbers, loaded up with $$$$’s and yearning to see what Australia has to offer. It is estimated by Road Safety Authorities that by 2010 there will be almost 1 million drivers over the age of 70 on Australian roads. Certainly not all tow caravans or recreational vehicles of any sort but a growing number do. How many of these new entrants have towed anything greater than a 6 x 4 to the local tip?

In addition a substantial number of these new vans are large tandems in excess of 17′ or say 5.2m and weighing upwards of 1.5 – 2 tonne loaded. A caravan of this size and weight is the only articulated vehicle that you don’t legally have to have special training/license to tow. Three local dealers tell me that over 60% of all New vans they sell are now in this 5m + category.

The possibilities are frightening.

Take a trip anywhere along our major highways and you’ll see ever increasing numbers trying to crowd into ever decreasing numbers of caravan parks. Sensibly observe how many rigs are set up, and observe the driving habits of many of these people. Take note of how they handle reversing, changing lanes, sharing the road, travelling at varying speeds etc etc etc. Take note of the increasing numbers of fatalities/injuries. I’ve towed for 25 years and rarely saw an accident. In the past two years alone I have passed the results of three double fatalities on the same 120km stretch of road in southern Queensland. It tells me something.

We DO have a growing problem.

Now try and tell me that some form of training is NOT required. Some of the worst offenders are those who “have been driving for 40 years and I haven’t had an accident” types – one wonders how many they have and still cause. Look around and see have often you note people with restricted mobility still think they are capable of a 3000 km trip to escape the winter chills.

I’m not advocating they all be removed from the roads but just as some states now require drivers over 70 to demonstrate they still have sufficient competence to renew their license, I believe it should also be mandatory that all who place other’s safety at risk through inability to control their rigs should display some designated ability through an agreed form of testing/knowledge. I have spent almost two years trying to address this problem and I’m firmly of the belief that wielding a big stick will achieve little.

I do believe that it is possible to dangle a carrot that will be effective enough for drivers, manufacturers, dealers, insurers to combine and facilitate a sensible training program that ALL who tow must complete. Current professional programs are great but poorly patronised because they are considered too expensive by so many – many upwards of $800 a day. Consequently many providers allow these to lapse as they have no demand.

I have developed a program in conjunction with Roadsafe Goulburn Valley called TowSafe which recently has been recognised as the Saferoads 2006 by the TAC. It is a program designed purely to educate and does not include actual driver training. It has now been included in our Road Safety programs and is delivered FREE with some minimal cost for educational material. It is not the be end and end all and will not automatically make some one a competent driver but it definitely will educate both old and new vanners. I am now beginning to roll this out amongst the other 26 Road Safety Councils throughout Victoria and hopefully each will take it on board and provide facilitators to deliver the program. The program concludes with a simple 30 question multiple choice quiz and could readily be adapted to something akin to the recently introduced boat license tests. Just as this boat license does not improve your actually boat driving it does make you a better driver on the spot. Similarly it will make many aware of things they have previously never encountered, and that certainly seems to have improved boating safety.

Slowly but surely we are getting there but it now requires others to join the push for education and I’d welcome any interested to comment. Whether it is TowSafe or something similar it does not matter – we simply need to change habits and increase knowledge before taking to the road with a vehicle that is somewhere around 12 metres long and weighs three tonnes or more. Common sense surely tells you that!

If we can develop a reward for demonstrated capability, then perhaps we can dramatically improve safety on our roads. I’m suggesting that if you pass a standard that can be delivered at little or no cost. (Basic cost could be sponsored by industry beneficiaries, then you might might receive a discount on insurance, registration or perhaps even from the cost of the van. This is possible if every party becomes committed – buyers, manufacturers, dealers, insurers, and others associated with the caravan industry – I see no reason why the beneficiaries should not bear the minimal cost.

If we take money making out of the equation then perhaps we can achieve an end result.

We need to change thinking amongst some segments of the industry. I could provide many examples of unsafe construction/design, and misinformation by dealers/salespeople about safe setup/towing equipment/ vehicle compatibility. More often than not this unsafe practice comes from a sales person saying “we’ll build what you like just tell us what you want” or “your vehicle will tow that without any worries etc etc.”

Fortunately the major makers don’t bow to these demands, but are not totally without fault. Many dealers are commendable and display sound expertise in dealing with new customers, but unfortunately there are many who are little more than shonkies out to make a quick dollar. They have to be goaded into competence or out of the industry through policeable regulation.

Electronic Stability Control is gradually being introduced to cars and trucks and having seen an actual demonstration of its effectiveness on a B Double trailer I wonder how long before this is mandatory on all trailers. It has to be seen to see how well it works. Safer Vehicles not only help poor drivers but will save good drivers as well by lessening the impact of someone else’s mistake. It makes sense for all caravans to be fitted with this amazing system

You may argue that you are capable, and without fault and should not be imposed on further, but unfortunately most of us are not perfect and need to have assistance to improve/maintain our ability.