Action Water Sports of Traverse City, Michigan - Petition for Rulemaking
Action Water Sports of Traverse City MIOtherBusiness
Summary: A recreational boat dealership is seeking clarification on the wording of DOT rule 393.43 (a) regarding breakaway and emergency braking systems. They argue that the current phrasing is confusing and request a clearer definition to help them properly advise customers on connecting trailer breakaway lanyards.
A sentence in DOT rule 393.43 (a) About "Breakaway and Emergency Braking" seems confusing.
DOT 393.43 Breakaway and emergency braking.
(a)Towing vehicle protection system. Every motor vehicle, if used to tow a trailer equipped with brakes, shall be equipped with a means for providing that in the case of a breakaway of the trailer, the service brakes on the towing vehicle will be capable of stopping the towing vehicle.
Note: This sentence adds confusion rather than clarification. To me it seems like it should say: Every motor vehicle, if used to tow a trailer equipped with brakes, shall be equipped with a means for providing that in the case of a breakaway of the trailer, the service brakes on the TOWED vehicle will be capable of stopping the towing vehicle.
As a recreational boat dealership, clarification about the purpose of the breakaway braking system affects how we and our customers connect trailer breakaway lanyards. Is the intent for the breakaway system to activate the trailer brakes if the trailer comes uncoupled from the tow vehicle and work along with the safety chains to bring the trailer and the towed vehicle to a stop. Or, is the primary purpose to activate the trailer brakes if the safety chains fail, allowing the trailer to be completely disconnected from the tow vehicle.