In response to an email you recently strongly supported the use of stabilisers when towing a caravan, and pointed out the importance of correct loading and tyre condition to prevent snaking. I am surprised that you did not also emphasise the importance of the braking system of the towed vehicle.

Some years ago I was one of the terrified passengers in my brother in law's car as his (stabiliser-equipped, properly loaded) new caravan attempted to overtake him in calm conditions on a dual carriageway. Fortunately his skill, luck and an uphill section of road avoided disaster on that day. On investigation it transpired that the brakes on the caravan had not been properly adjusted or maintained prior to delivery, and failed to act when the towing vehicle slowed down. A recipe for disaster, as simple physics will tell you.

Caravans tend to spend a lot of time parked up. Moving a caravan at the end of a holiday or season, or out of storage, is when they are potentially most dangerous. There is no annual MoT to remind owners that regular maintenance and testing of the running gear is needed to ensure safety. Similarly, a borrowed or rented caravan has no documentation to show it is safe to use. Arguably this should be compulsory and would probably prevent more accidents.