How to tow a caravan safely

Give yourself more space and time for everything. Brake earlier, accelerate more slowly, and leave more stopping distance. You're towing a giant room made of plastic, wood and metal behind you, so drive as carefully as possible.

Take corners wider than you would in a car, so the back of the caravan doesn't clip the kerb. One false move could destroy all your glassware.

Speed limits are lower when you're a tower – for instance, don't exceed 50mph on a single carriageway, or 60mph on a dual carriageway or motorway. You can't use the outside lane of a three-lane motorway either, unless instructed to do so.

Make sure you have a good view of your caravan – extension mirrors are essential. Take them off when you're not towing – it's illegal to use them with nothing in tow.

Do not transport humans or animals in your caravan while you're towing. An excited dog could easily knock the caravan off balance.

And forget felt tip pens on cardboard – your number plate must conform to British Standards and be illuminated at night.

And finally, ignore what the nasty men say on Top Gear too – caravan users have just as much right to be on the road as any other user. But if you do find a long queue of traffic waiting behind you, pull into a lay-by to let the other vehicles pass. It’s the polite thing to do!