Watch terrifying moment ‘runaway caravan’ crashes head-on into oncoming cars while going wrong way down busy road
THIS is the terrifying moment a “runaway caravan” was spotted hurtling the wrong way down a busy road and crashing into oncoming cars.
Footage of the horror smash was captured on a passing dashcam and went viral on YouTube.
In the clip, the van can be seen hitched onto the back of a VW Tiguan SUV as it leaves a roundabout.
Just at the point that the motor joins the main road, the link with the van breaks sending it careering into the opposite lane.
Immediately, in a scary near-miss, it clips the side of a passing motorcycle.
The impact shattered the bike’s saddlebag, strewing its contents across the road and almost unseating the rider.
The camera car then swerves violently to avoid a crash.
However, as seen on the rear-view camera, the driver behind was not so lucky.
After passing the first car, the van swerved further onto the wrong side of the road at speed, leaving the next motorist nowhere to go.
They were unable to escape the impact even when they pulled into the ditch on the roadside and the two vehicles collided violently head-on.
The driver of the camera car can be heard yelling: “Oh my god they’ve proper gone into that [bike].”
Photos of the aftermath show the small hatchback with a wheel in the air, having been run off the road by the approaching van.
As for the camper, the front window had smashed and part of the bodywork had given way.
Perhaps scariest of all, though, was the fact that the open front panel revealed that the van’s gas canisters had been stored behind and were just inches from being hit, potentially sparking a fiery disaster.
Commenters were left horrified by the footage, with one saying: “The brakes on that caravan didn’t come on at all.
“Could have killed someone.”
How to tow a caravan
Do I need a licence to tow a caravan?
As of 2021, it is not a legal requirement for anyone who passed a driving test after January 1 1997 to take a special test to tow a caravan.
Brits can tow any caravan weighing up to 750kg without any extra training or supervision, as long as the total weight of the vehicle doesn’t pass 3,500kg.
If not already on your licence, the next time you renew it the DVLA will add the BE category to your entitlements.
For those who passed before the 1997 cut-off, towing without the correct licence can lead to a fine of up to £800 and nine penalty points.
Can I tow a caravan on the motorway?
It is absolutely legal to tow a caravan on the motorway.
However, the national speed limit for drivers with a caravan attached is reduced on all roads.
In the case of a motorway, the limit drops from the usual 70mph to 60mph.
You are also required to fit towing mirror, tow bars and trailer lights before undertaking any caravan journey.
Will my insurance cover towing a caravan?
Most comprehensive insurance policies will cover towing but it is best to check with your provider beforehand.
Anyone with lower levels of cover should definitely be sure to check and take out separate insurance if required.
While dedicated insurance is not legally required if you are already covered, it may be the cheaper option if you are not.
Another added: “Well done to the motorcyclist that managed to stay upright after being clipped by the side of the van.
“Must have been a scary moment on two wheels for that rider.”
And a third said: “Great example on how not to tow a caravan.”
It comes after another driver received a brutal dose of reality after brake-checking an HGV.