In July 2025 a woman was killed after a boat and trailer broke free from an oncoming vehicle and slammed into her car. This is just the latest in a string of such incidents. In 2022 the death of a nine-year-old girl in a Northland crash was traced back to a badly worn down towball and coupling on a trailer.
Aside from the tragic outcomes of such incidents, if the trailer was not insured then any damage or loss caused by it once it has detached from the vehicle towing it would also not be insured.
Additionally, in the Northland incident, under Health and Safety legislation an order to pay reparations of 145,000 dollars was imposed. A fine of 50,000 dollars was also ordered.
This is a timely reminder to make sure:
Trailers are regularly inspected and well maintained
Staff are properly trained to attach and use them
Loads are below the rated maximum for the trailer and towing vehicle
They are insured
