I know that we all love to tow our rigs down the roads of the greatest country in all of human history, and I know all of you are smart (you bought a Tundra, didn't you?) and take many precautions including checking your rigs, tow vehicles, maintaining safe distances, thinking ahead, and looking out for idiots on the road, etc...
But sometimes, it helps to be reminded the power at our disposal, and the physics at play when pulling thousands of pounds. Just like in aviation the saying goes, " A good pilot is always learning.", so it should be for us. In my opinion, Tundra owners/drivers are very aware of their surroundings when towing, as well as their limitations- which makes them smart. This is a personal observation.
So here is the reminder to keep us thinking about towing safety. It can never be stressed enough:
Back in 1999 when I was an undergrad in college, there was a church in town that sent a busload of teenagers to eastern NM for a church retreat. This reatreat had all of the usual escorts (like parents) for personal safety for these kids, and on the way back, still in eastern NM, this bus full of kids was involved in a horrific accident.
http://www.lubbockonline.com/bus_tragedy/crash2.jpg
Now if you look carefully at the picture in the above link, the bus is still pointed in the correct direction of original travel (eastbound). The 5th wheel was traveling westbound in the opposite lane. As the 2 vehicles were closing in together, a large gust of wind disengaged the 5th wheel hitch pin from the receiver of the truck that was pulling. During this rapid disengagement, the force of such caused the hitch pin to spin on its connected axis (the attachment to the 5th wheel) rotating wildly as the trailer began to move into the oncoming bus in the opposite lane. This "spinning" motion began to saw through the left side of the bus as the collision occurred.
The trailer then continued on past the bus and hit the car traveling behind it, and then finally coming to a stop.
Six girls where killed instantly by this 'sawing' motion. Just use your imagination. The driver in the car following the bus was also killed.
After investigation of the accident was over, word had it that the hitch receiver was not attached to the frame of the truck when the original installation took place. Also, it appeared that the lanyard line (break-away cable) was not attached to the tow vehicle.
I know this sounds like a freak accident, but all an accident is: a succession of events that lead to a final outcome. The wind gust+not hitched properly+ breakaway cable not attached= a horrible outcome. Can you predict wind gusts? I sure cant.
Tragedy in New Mexico
I know this is a long post, but I always let this accident serve me as a personal reminder to check my rig, check my TV, and make sure everything is running tip-top. And nothing against 5ers, this could have just as easily have happened with a TT.
There is a memorial of the six girls killed hanging in the church foyer where they used to attend, and where I have attended for years as well.
Stay safe everyone. Hug your kids.
Please be careful out there when towing!
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