Hitch right, save lives and shine bright

A preventable tragedy involving a loose trailer claimed the life of Kelly Hall, a homeschooling mother of three and Tyler resident, in March 2021. As Texans continue hitching trailers for work and recreation, her story underscores the importance of proper towing practices and heightened trailer safety awareness.

Kelly Hall was 49 years old when a food trailer detached from an oncoming truck and collided with her vehicle on a toll road near Tyler. The crash was instantaneous, leaving her family devastated. Her husband, Cliff Hall, shared his wife’s story to raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies.

“My wife Kelly’s death was entirely preventable,” Cliff Hall said. “If the other driver had taken the time to ensure the trailer was properly secured, she’d still be with us today.”

Cliff Hall emphasized that critical steps — such as checking the hitch, ensuring safety chains are in place, and confirming lights and brakes are functioning — can prevent fatal accidents. “I urge everyone to take the extra time to double-check everything before towing. It could save a life.”

In response to incidents like Kelly Hall’s, the Texas Department of Transportation has launched a new safety campaign to educate drivers on proper trailer hitching and towing techniques. As part of its “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” initiative, TxDOT promotes key safety tips to help prevent trailer-related crashes.

TXDOT’S KEY SAFETY TIPS INCLUDE:

Choosing the correct equipment:

• Check your vehicle’s tow rating in the owner’s manual to confirm it can tow the trailer’s weight when fully loaded.
• Ensure your hitch ball is the correct size and capacity for the coupler, trailer and load. Hitch balls and couplers are stamped with their size and maximum weight capacities. Improper ball size or capacity could cause the trailer to detach from the tow vehicle.
• Check the tire pressure on the tow vehicle and trailer, including the spare tires. Your vehicle’s tires may require higher pressure while towing. For more information, check the vehicle owner’s manual.

Tips for safely hitching a trailer:

• Verify each part of the hitch system is in good condition.
• Ask a friend or coworker to help you line up the vehicle and trailer.
• Determine the appropriate rise or drop of the ball mount. The trailer should ride parallel to the ground when being towed to ensure stability. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly attach the coupler to the ball mount and install a safety pin. Double-check that the hitch is secured properly before towing.
• Always use safety chains. They are required by law and are your first line of defense if the trailer detaches. Make sure the safety chains are properly crisscrossed and connected. Also, check that the trailer lights, running lights and brake lights are working.
• Properly distribute and balance your trailer load weight and secure all cargo.

Tips for driving safely when towing a trailer:

• Slow down, stay alert and leave plenty of stopping distance. It will take longer to stop with a trailer than with a vehicle alone.
• Watch for trailer sway. If you see the trailer swinging back and forth, remove your foot from the gas and gently apply the trailer brakes until the swaying stops.
• Take extra care when turning or changing lanes.

TxDOT’s campaign is part of its broader #EndTheStreakTX effort to eliminate daily traffic fatalities in Texas. The last day without a traffic-related death in the state was Nov. 7, 2000.

Scott Rash, a Bennet’s Camping Center salesperson, highlighted that many trailer hitch issues stem from user error. “People tend not to hook them up right or grease things they shouldn’t,” he said, noting that improper greasing of weight distribution hitches can compromise safety.

Rash emphasized the importance of safety chains, noting that improper use could lead to severe accidents and fines. Drivers need to ensure all connections are secure before hitting the road, which is much like the pre-flight check performed by pilots — an essential step to avoid potential dangers.

At Tractor Supply in Granbury, team leader Page Hernandez warned that dragging chains can cause sparks and lead to fires, another dangerous oversight. Hernandez, who has extensive experience towing trailers, advises drivers to regularly check trailer lights and hitch connections before every trip.

“It’s crucial to double-check everything. A trailer that’s not properly hitched or visible at night can cause a lot of damage,” Hernandez said.

As Texans gear up for camping season or prepare to tow trailers for business, these experts agree that small mistakes — such as not securing safety chains or using the wrong hitch ball — can lead to deadly consequences. By following basic safety guidelines and thoroughly inspecting trailer connections, drivers can prevent accidents and save lives.

At #EndTheStreakTX (txdot.gov), users can access a variety of resources, such as videos, photos, interviews, peer testimonials and social media graphics, all aimed at raising awareness about the issue. Visitors are encouraged to use these materials and to share their personal stories about why ending the streak is important to them.