By Mike Davenport

If you're driving a van or car with a shell strapped to the roof the only change you need to make to your driving is to be a little more careful than normal. But driving a shell trailer is a completely different story. At their best shell trailers-and shell trucks-are difficult to drive. A trailer loaded with unsectioned eights is as long, if not longer than a hazard on the highway to yourself and others.

It's crucial when driving a shell trailer you plan our route ahead before beginning your journey. Rush-hour and construction traffic an add time to your trip, but they are not your real worries. Dangerous turns and especially low overheads are where you really need to be concerned because that is where you can damage your shells and cause accidents.

To help avoid problems with low overheads measure the total height of the trailer, or vehicle, after the shells are loaded. Make your measurements from the ground to the tip of the rudder or skeg-most trailers with shells on the top rack will be around ten feet high. I usually add four inches to the number as a safety margin. Then write this information down and tape it to the dash-board. This could save you a lot of embarrassment at such places as low bridges, gas stations, and drive-thrus.

When choosing who drives don't put inexperienced people behind the wheel. In fact, most insurance companies demand that the driver of the vehicle be experienced and at least twenty-one years of age, which prohibits many students from driving. Drivers should carry their licenses, registration(s), and insurance information with them. And I strongly suggest a minimum of two drivers in the vehicle. An extra "set of eyes" will make driving the shells safer, especially on long trips when one driver gets tired.

When you finally hit the road constantly be looking, listening and feeling for anything unusual with the vehicle or load. If you notice anything pull over as soon as it is safe and check for the cause. And speaking of checking, get in the habit of checking the trailer and load every time you stop-on long trips. I suggest you stop every 100 miles. Check the tie downs, flags, equipment, lights, hitch and tires for any problems.

Many trailering accidents happen because people try to drive a shell trailer like a car. The acceleration of a trailer is much slower than a car and the stopping distance is much greater. You must allow more time for simple automobile tasks like pulling out into traffic, changing lanes and passing. Extra caution will especially be needed for backing up, cornering and pulling into service areas. Make absolutely sure that a lane is clear before changing, and use your turn signals.

The two most difficult parts of driving a shell trailer are cornering and handling the overhang of the shells. Trailers turn inside the track of the two vehicles meaning you need to take corners wider than normal. But the overhand is what gives most trailer drivers problems. Remember-you may be driving one of the longest vehicles on the highway, with thousands of dollars in shells just hanging out. If you're not comfortable with this thought-or with your driving skills-load up the trailer one Sunday and go to a parking lot and practice. It's a good investment of your time, especially considering the alternative may be waiting three months for a boat that's in the repair shop.

When you finally arrive where you are going plan...Plan...PLAN...ahead where you will park. There's nothing more annoying than getting blocked in at a regatta and having to wait hours to leave because you're stuck.

The three most common causes of accidents involving shell trailers are poor driving skills, lack of good visibility, and improper tying of shells. These three items will constantly need your attention. If, after all your best preparations, you are unfortunate enough to have an accident there are several things you should do.

First, active the emergency flashers and place emergency signals to warn approaching traffic. Next, give appropriate first aid if needed and make sure that everyone is in a safe place. Notify law enforcement and your supervisor promptly. When things get under control record as much information as possible: names, address, phone numbers, and driver's license numbers. Also get information from witnesses. Try to document the scene as well as possible and if you have your camera with you take pictures.

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Mike Davenport is the head rowing coach at Washington College, the tenth oldest college in the country. He has been the Boatman for the US National team for several years, and strongly believes that if you don't have fun and enjoy your rowing, then something is not quite right. His latest book, Finding Happiness Sitting On Your Butt Going Backwards was published in 1996.