If the vehicle you are travelling in has broken down on the side of the road, you may feel that you have no option but to call a friend and to ask them to give you a tow. If you do not have professional towing chains, you may be tempted to use rope instead. While this might seem like a great idea, it isn't actually that smart. Read on to discover some of the reasons why using a rope to tow a vehicle is a bad idea.

Using a rope could result in serious injury if it snaps

The biggest threat posed by a rope is the risk that it will snap. When a rope is being used to tow a car or truck, it will be under incredible stress. If it snaps, all of the energy which is contained within the rope will suddenly be released, causing it to whip outwards. If this rope hits a person, it is likely to result in serious injury or even death. If the rope hits an object or building, it has the potential to cause serious damage. Professional tow chains are reinforced which massively reduces the risk that they will break when in use.

Using a rope makes it difficult for others to spot that you are being towed

Having a rope stretched out between two vehicles presents a serious hazard to other pedestrians and road users. One hazard is created by the fact that it can be extremely difficult to spot a rope that is between two cars. This means that there is an increased chance that a person or vehicle will come into contact with the rope which could lead to a serious road traffic accident. Professional tow cables are brightly coloured, and tow trucks will often winch a vehicle onto the back of a trailer so there is no risk of a collision with others.

Using a rope may not be legal

Depending on which part of Australia you are in, using a rope to tow a vehicle may not be legal. This is because many states and local authorities have realised just how dangerous this activity can be to other road users, pedestrians and the people towing the car or truck.

If you have broken down on the side of the road, the best option is to contact a towing service so a professional contractor can lend assistance.