Vol. 51—1997 - NorthEastern Weed Science Society

65
TRAILERING
AFETY: A TRAINING COURSE DESIGNED FOR AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCHERS
D. VanWinkle', M. Hackworth', and M. Spellicy'
ABSTRACT
Towing a loade trailer behind a pickup truck may be one of the most dangerous aspects of an
agricultural rese rcher's job. We all have a healthy respect for the handling of agricultural
chemicals, but d we show the same respect for 10,000 Ibs. of trailer and equipment pulled behind
a pickup at 55 h? This has been a safety concern for Cyanamid field researchers. American
Cyanamid invest gated the availability oftrailering safety courses in the U.S. and found only
courses for tract r-trailers (I8-wheelers) to be readily available. These courses did not meet
Cyanamid's nee s.
A training facilit with the interest and capability of developing and conducting a trailering course
for Cyanamid fi d researchers was found in Alabama. A course was developed at the Alabama
Traffic Center, n the campus of the University of Montevallo, Montevallo, Alabama, and was a
cooperative effo between the Traffic Center and Cyanamid. It was divided almost equally
between classro m and practical, driving range activities. Topics covered included:
1) Legal onsiderations of Towing
2) Truck Size and Towing Capacity
3) Traile Hitches and Tire Requirements
4) Brak' g Systems
5) Load ng and Unloading Trailers
6) Defe sive Driving, Principles and Procedures
7) In-C Safety Procedures
8) A V iety ofField Exercises
During 1996, all Cyanamid field researchers participated in this two-day course to enhance their
skills in safe trai ering. .
The Alabama T
request.
ffic Safety Center will make this course available to other organizations upon
, Senior Operati ns Coordinator, American Cyanamid Agricultural Products Research Division,
Princeton, NJ
Agriculturist, American Cyanamid Agricultural Products Research Division,
3 Director, Alab rna Traffic Safety Center, College of Education, The University of Montevallo,
Montevallo, AL