iphone app for horse people, driving and texting, trailer wiring, winter driving information, winter driving safety
USRider ® Equestrian Motor Plan
Hitch Up! e-Magazine • Winter 2010
trailer-wiring Improvements needed
USRider urges manufacturers of horse trailers to improve
their wiring practices. Trailers flex and move constantly
when being towed, so it is imperative that the best wiring
techniques be used to ensure proper and continual functioning
of a trailer’s electrical system.
Wiring failure could cause a tragedy. For example, say
you’re driving home from a trail ride after
dark. Imagine what could happen if the wiring
that controls your trailer lights fails?
Or, say you are headed home with your
new horse in tow. If the wires connected to
your brakes malfunction, the trailer brakes
could lock, causing an accident or disablement.
There are many lives at stake when you
trailer — both human and equine — so you
should always check proper function of your
marker lights, turn signals, brake lights, and
other electrical connections prior to leaving,
and even while traveling.
USRider offers this list of typical wiring
deficiencies:
take caution at wintry Intersections
Have you noticed that traffic signals are
looking a little different these days? What
you’re seeing is the effort to save money and
energy. Cities across the United States are
replacing their incandescent traffic lights
with new, energy-efficient LED traffic signals.
While these new signals provide brighter
lights that last much longer and save a lot of
energy, it’s also becoming evident that they
have a hazardous downside. The bulbs burn
so coolly that snow and ice don’t melt off. Instead,
winter precipitation can accumulate on
the light, obscuring it completely. This problem
has been blamed for dozens of accidents
across the country and at least one death.
• Wires come into contact with sharp metal edges.
• Improper materials are used to secure wiring.
• Wires are fastened to the trailer flooring.
• Minimal or no use of convoluted protective tubing.
• Underrated or incorrect wiring.
• Wire installed in loops, or simply left hanging.
• Lengths of wire are so short that they
often disconnect with the slightest
movement.
In addition to pushing for horse trailer
manufacturers to improve their wiring
practices, USRider urges horse owners to be
more proactive about wiring issues. Regardless
of your trailer’s age and condition, have
your trailer thoroughly inspected for inferior
wiring by a competent professional. And this
is especially true if you are in the market for
a new or used trailer.
For a list of trailer-maintenance recommendations,
visit the USRider website, and
go to the Equine Travel Safety Area. USR
USRider suggests caution when driving
during winter weather conditions. Although
you may clearly see that you have a green
light — and therefore the right-of-way — a
driver coming from another direction might
not see a light that’s covered with ice and
snow and could very likely not be prepared
to stop.
Until a solution for this problem can be
found, be extra cautious. Remember, if you
can’t see a traffic light at an intersection,
treat it as a stop sign.
For additional safety tips, visit the USRider
website, and go to the Equine Travel Safety
Area. USR
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REnÉ E. RILEy PHOTO
LED bulbs in traffic lights
burn so coolly that snow
and ice don’t melt.
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