Breakdown Cover & Dogs (1 Viewer)

[dave newell]

One small but rather important point I haven't yet seen mentioned is the size of the "camper van". It would appear from the photos that it was a Dethleffs on a tandem axled Fiat Ducato chassis, this puts it in the 8-9 metre category and around 5 Tonnes. First response unit is usually a Renault Trafic van which would simply not be capable of towing a motorhome of that size. The motorhome being so large would also mean that the standard 7.5 tonne recovery vehicle is not big ennough so a larger 17 Tonne plus low loader would be required, this could easily explain the 3 hour delay as the RAC do not have many, if a ny recovery units that size. The three women broke the most important rule of breaking down on the motorway, get out of the vehicle and wait as far away as possible because big lorrys do sometimes stray onto the hard shoulder and 44 Tonnes doing 56 MPH is a huge amount of energy.

D.

 

[Rapide561]

Broken down

Some of you will recall my own break down, and the RAC refusing to recover the dog. (It is documented on the other site)

In the end, the contractor who supplied the tow truck would allow the dog in his cab.

It was even more difficult as I was single manned as it were, so not in a position for "one to stay behind with the dog"

We were on a campsite though, not in a position of danger, so not quite the same circumstances but as said, check your policies.

Russell

 

[Trikeman]

Though just slightly off topic (but similar issue) this is the reason I ditched the taxi idea and got a toad.

We were at a site and fancied a day out and ordered a taxi - no problems, Wife dog and myself transported. At the end of a nice day (we were 20 miles away from site) we tried to order a taxi to get back - no way.
Every firm we called (inc the one that took us) refused point blank to take us and our dog back. The reason given by all was that it was not them but the council that licences them prevents them carrying dogs for the 'reaction' that could be had by another customer later - they all cited the same incident that caused the council's decision (apparently they were fined heavily for a person who suffered a seizure in a taxi that had earlier carried a dog).

Took us several hrs to get back by all sorts of bus routes.:Angry:

Trikeman.

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[dogman]

Some of you will recall my own break down, and the RAC refusing to recover the dog. (It is documented on the other site)

In the end, the contractor who supplied the tow truck would allow the dog in his cab.

It was even more difficult as I was single manned as it were, so not in a position for "one to stay behind with the dog"

We were on a campsite though, not in a position of danger, so not quite the same circumstances but as said, check your policies.

Russell

I think there will be a lot checking their policies, I for one.

 

[Another Lesley]

When we broke down last February, the Green Flag company took us, our vehicle and all our dogs to our destination. The dogs had to remain in our car, but as they are always travelled in crates that was not an issue. The driver stopped three times on the way to enable us to have rest breaks and also let the car off the low loader to enable us to get in and out and walk the dogs. Overall as horrid a...s it was to breakdown, our recovery driver was perfect. We have to understand that not everyone likes or can tolerate dogs . It is not just about us, but about the driver and anyone else he has to transport in that truck.

The point the RAC are making in this case is that because of the size of the motorhome twin axle, 28 feet is that it was too large for the recovery vehicle and they were waiting for a larger vehicle. My point in this is that a) the recovery company knew the size of the vehicle before they attended the first time.
b) There were some discussions regarding the dogs, which were all contained in their travel crates. At first it appears that the RAC driver / contractor would not let the dogs travel.

The reality of all this is that the motorhome was left on the hard shoulder for 3+ hours, no one thought to inform the police or other agencies so oncoming traffic was not warned and now one lady is in hospital with a broken leg, collapsed lung and spinal injuries and three dogs lost their lives.

There is an alternative recovery company that will transport animals, but I am not sure I am allowed to post the details here.

 

[JockandRita]

the recovery company knew the size of the vehicle before they attended the first time.

Which in our unfortunate experience, has been the case every time, but do they send an appropriate vehicle out after being informed? No, and still not, even when I have physically pointed out the plated weight to the first recovery driver that turns up. :Angry:

Regards,

Jock.

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[Forestboy]

The point the RAC are making in this case is that because of the size of the motorhome twin axle, 28 feet is that it was too large for the recovery vehicle and they were waiting for a larger vehicle. My point in this is that a) the recovery company knew the size of the vehicle before they attended the first time.

We broke down in a 7.5 ton RV. We had full breakdown insurance with Safeguard. They sent out a small Ford Transit to recover us, the driver took one look at the RV and disappeared and despite numerous call to Safeguard and reassurances from them we didn't get recovered. Luckily my oldest son is a HGV mechanic and he came out and got us going, we were stuck for 9 hours. I think if you're anything over 3500 kgs its pot luck unless you buy a specialist HGV recovery policy.

 

[Viennese]

When we broke down last February, the Green Flag company took us, our vehicle and all our dogs to our destination. The dogs had to remain in our car, but as they are always travelled in crates that was not an issue. The driver stopped three times on the way to enable us to have rest breaks and also let the car off the low loader to enable us to get in and out and walk the dogs. Overall as horrid a...s it was to breakdown, our recovery driver was perfect. We have to understand that not everyone likes or can tolerate dogs . It is not just about us, but about the driver and anyone else he has to transport in that truck.

[HI]The point the RAC are making in this case is that because of the size of the motorhome twin axle, 28 feet is that it was too large for the recovery vehicle and they were waiting for a larger vehicle. My point in this is that a) the recovery company knew the size of the vehicle before they attended the first time.[/HI]
b) There were some discussions regarding the dogs, which were all contained in their travel crates. At first it appears that the RAC driver / contractor would not let the dogs travel.

The reality of all this is that the motorhome was left on the hard shoulder for 3+ hours, no one thought to inform the police or other agencies so oncoming traffic was not warned and now one lady is in hospital with a broken leg, collapsed lung and spinal injuries and three dogs lost their lives.

There is an alternative recovery company that will transport animals, but I am not sure I am allowed to post the details here.

It's possible the first RAC driver to attend might have been able to sort the problem and get them going, and so the RAC probably sent the nearest rescue van. However I think he should have waited with them until the low loader arrived, and could use his flashing lights to warn other traffic. I broke down on a very busy M4 early this year, and the AA man couldn't get us off the motorway quick enough and loaded us without even asking what the problem was. By the time he arrived I had a huge articulated lorry parked up behind me - when I saw that coming it was quite frightening!

Catherine

 

[iandsm]

Alternative

I would suggest anyone with an alternative recovery company which WILL take dogs, should give details of the company on here. Its not a trade advert,simply a recommendation so nothing wrong with that.

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[Another Lesley]

I would suggest anyone with an alternative recovery company which WILL take dogs, should give details of the company on here. Its not a trade advert,simply a recommendation so nothing wrong with that.

Link Removed

If you are not travelling with animals, this company will not attend (my understanding) so you may need to keep other cover.

 

[DP+JAY]

Not the same at all Jim. Asthma caused by allergies to animals can easily land people in hospital, as I can testify personally.

So why are asthmatics not affected by guide dogs? Surely the fact that they take guide dogs means their argument is a joke.

 

[GJH]

So why are asthmatics not affected by guide dogs? Surely the fact that they take guide dogs means their argument is a joke.

It is likely that the recovery vehicle will have to be valeted (in order to safeguard those with allergies) each time it has been used to transport a dog. The likelihood is that the number of guide dogs would be a minority of those potentially needing transport so the risk/cost would be brought within acceptable boundaries.

It's the same sort of situation with shops, restaurants &c - it is possible for the situation to be managed reasonably easily if assistance dogs only are allowed.

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[DP+JAY]

It is likely that the recovery vehicle will have to be valeted (in order to safeguard those with allergies) each time it has been used to transport a dog. The likelihood is that the number of guide dogs would be a minority of those potentially needing transport so the risk/cost would be brought within acceptable boundaries.

It's the same sort of situation with shops, restaurants &c - it is possible for the situation to be managed reasonably easily if assistance dogs only are allowed.

So it's down to the cost/inconvenience of valeting the recovery truck!and for that people's lives are to be put at risk. Who says you can't put a price on safety.

 

[GJH]

So it's down to the cost/inconvenience of valeting the recovery truck!and for that people's lives are to be put at risk. Who says you can't put a price on safety.

Everything in life is down to a cost. If extra valeting costs were involved then premiums would rise - for everyone, not just the dog owners.

And who has put lives at risk? It is still the case that far too few facts (as opposed to forum speculation) about the particular incident have emerged but if, indeed, the vehicle had been on the hard shoulder for 3 hours that was ample time for the occupants to remove themselves and caged dogs up the embankment.

In general, as I said in another thread, we as individuals are responsible for purchasing adequate cover. If we fail to do so then it is we, not the breakdown companies, who put ourselves at risk.

 

[Phill D]

So it's down to the cost/inconvenience of valeting the recovery truck!and for that people's lives are to be put at risk. Who says you can't put a price on safety.

i actually think its more likely to do with the possibility of the company being guilty of some form of discrimination against people with a disability, but i could be wrong.

i am pleased this thread was started as we travel all the time with our dog and never gave it a second thoughtoh:

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[GJH]

i actually think its more likely to do with the possibility of the company being guilty of some form of discrimination against people with a disability, but i could be wrong.

[HI]i am pleased this thread was started as we travel all the time with our dog and never gave it a second thought[/HI]oh:

Perhaps that is the most positive thing to come out of the incident - and why I started Broken Link Removed.

There have been a number of mentions, over the years, of people suddenly realising that the breakdown cover they have does not include vehicles as large/heavy as the motorhome they have. This is a similar matter.

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

I think the problem is the fact that there were 3 women an 12 caged dogs.
If there were maybe 1 or 2 dogs I don't think there would have been a problem
.
IMO why didn't the dog owner put the dogs in the cages off the road , on the grass , up away from the motorway. They do have fur coats
Plus by the looks of all the debris there was plenty of stuff to cover the cages. If they were worried about the cold.
It was during the day not dark.
Leaving one or two women , to stay with the dogs.
Get the Motorhome towed.
Then arrange for their own transport to pick up the dogs and woman / women.

I'm sure they must have known 12 dogs was excessive , (even if they were going to a show) and not allowed in the terms of the insurance.

Easy to say in hind site I suppose .

I've seen lorries go on the go on the hard shoulder for no apparent reason many a time. When we've been driving behind them . It's scary

 

[Another Lesley]

I think the problem is the fact that there were 3 women an 12 caged dogs.
If there were maybe 1 or 2 dogs I don't think there would have been a problem
.
IMO why didn't the dog owner put the dogs in the cages off the road , on the grass , up away from the motorway. They do have fur coats
Plus by the looks of all the debris there was plenty of stuff to cover the cages. If they were worried about the cold.
It was during the day not dark.
Leaving one or two women , to stay with the dogs.
Get the Motorhome towed.
Then arrange for their own transport to pick up the dogs and woman / women.

I'm sure they must have known 12 dogs was excessive , (even if they were going to a show) and not allowed in the terms of the insurance.

Easy to say in hind site I suppose .

I've seen lorries go on the go on the hard shoulder for no apparent reason many a time. When we've been driving behind them . It's scary

To take your points one at a time.
Although there were 12 dogs present, all were caged and it was not the problem. It was apparently the size of the vehicle in question.

Current advice from Police and Highways agency is that animals should remain inside the vehicle.

The breakdown occurred during the early hours of the morning, the accident happened at 5.30 am when it was still dark, so not daylight as you state.

Unless you know these ladies, I am not sure that you would be in a position to comment on their insurance cover.

I can agree with seeing vehicles wandering into the hard shoulder and
not just HGV's

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[andyandsarah]

I work for a recovery contractor who does work for all the major companies RAC AA Brittania etc etc . Practically all breakdown companies will not allow animals to travel in the breakdown vehicle, but you should be ok with the dogs contained in the motorhome. That is my understanding of our rules anyway. Ps We also have two dogs.

 

[2bob]

I'm with Mayday (green Flag) I wonder what their policy is? Anybody know?
I hope the RAC gets lots of adverse publicity, what a way to run a company by leaving it up to the driver, the mind boggles.
Cal

hi im with green flag i broke down in the car with dog a long time ago and had to leave the dog in the car on the back of break down wagon

 

[TheBig1]

have had 2 breakdowns with the motorhome this year, clutch disintegrated and then a diesel pipe blew off the pump. on both occassions we had 3 dogs in the van. on both occasions the rac towed us on a fixed bar to a place of safety to do repairs

as for the argument re dog hairs in the recovery vehicle causing issues, what rubbish. I suffer from a latex allergy and have lung issues which are exacerbated by aerosols and fumes like petrol. i dont expect the world to adapt to the infinitely small possibility that they need to transport me. i have a duty of care for myself. in the case i have to climb into an oil stained van/lorry, i would fetch a blanket from my vehicle to cover the seats for my needs

would i expect them to cover 12 dogs in transit and transport them in the recovery truck... no. but i would expect them to recover the van with dogs inside

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[rainbow chasers]

There are serious issues with people with fur allergies; some are like those who have peanut allergies and so on, react so badly they need hospitalisation. The recovery company has a duty of care to look after it's occupants. No, you can't cater for every individuals needs....but trust me, they expect you to! In a world whereby an incident of someone being hospitalised/near death due to a 'dirty' vehicle would have a similar response to this thread about a vehicle being hit and dogs being killed.

With motorhomes and caravans, there SHOULD be two people there to load onto a flat bed.

There are exceptions that a dog can be carried - cleaning takes between 2-4 hours as you need to remove every hair. In that case it WAS guide dog (retriever) it sat on the tarp covered seat without moving......but the hair was everywhere! Really full of it - took 4 hours to clear all that out!

So........Imagine that this case above where the camper was hit. The smaller vehicle had left, and was waiting for the larger to arrive to take camper and dogs to safety.......now imagine if that truck was either late or unavailable because it was being cleaned????

Now these companies don't get paid a lot for roadside assistance. They make money in transferring your vehicle back up country/home. Breakdown pays them £60 average. With cost of fuel, professional passport holding mechanics and so on to come to your aid - you cannot afford £80 of wages on every job for cleaning afterwards.


In the situation here, I would have pulled the vehicle off the road with a spec lift if need be. Even if it was to the nearest services. It depends on what had turned up. It is unfortunate......but alarming in the sense that it is only newsworthy due to the number of dogs dying - recovery drivers are hit on a daily basis roadside - never reported. Families are hit all the time - never reported. Funny world......but I guess here there is someone to point at and blame.

My advice is to make sure you are covered. Carry the equipment you need - including cages/belt harnesses for your dog (in motor homes, where the cab can be accessed, any animal should be secured and not able to gain access) and as I always say - a a Tarp....another good use for a tarp (seat cover):thumb:

 

[TheBig1]

the papers have now picked up this story
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...s-killed-woman-left-broken-leg-crash-M40.html

 

[Philcott]

I've picked this up from another website and copy it here for your information. It is from one of the people involved in the crash:

Facts about crash from one of the ladies involved
I am unable to read the posts as my situation is still too fragile.. But I feel the need to clarify some facts as I am one of the three ladies ... The dogs were all secured in custom made steel and or fibreglass crates that were custom made to fit our rig. The dogs were running down the motorway after our vehicle was hit and obliterated .
We have such a large rig because we take our entire family of dogs with us whenever we are off on a weekend jaunt.
We do not breed or show as a profession we have each been in dogs our entire lives.
The RAC was informed the dogs were in crates
The Motorhome had what I believe was a clutch/gearbox failure as it was still revving but no gears engaged.
We did get out but ad the temps were brutal we were forced back in to get warm
At all times we had all sidelights and flashers on
Repeated pleas over 3 hours were made to the RAC but they said they were having a hard time because the contractors were refusing to come
At no time did we ask if even one dog would be allowed in a recovery truck
Our dogs are our life and our kids - we did the best we could for them... Quite honestly evenif we had been sitting on the bank with the distance the chassis and debris was thrown we could have all been even more seriously injured, and I would never have been able recover witnessing my dogs being crushed.
Sincerely
Lisa Croft-Elliott

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[Ralph-n-Bev]

Unless you know these ladies, I am not sure that you would be in a position to comment on their insurance cover.

No I don't know the women.
But I would have thought if carrying 12 caged dogs on a regular basis , which they say they did . They were their babies , their family. You would make sure that you had cover , just incase you ever did break down.
Lessons will be learnt.


As for the exemption of guard dogs , well they have to do it .
If they didn't it would be discrimination against the disabled or something or other.
Plus they won't get lots of guide dogs , compared to the % of pet dogs. So they won't have to valet as often so's not to affect the asthmatics.

 

[TheDogMan]

This is all very sad, apart from the 3 dogs being killed another has since died from its injuries and one person is reported as very ill with many broken bones including her back in 3 places.
The RAC and other companies have been inundated with calls about dogs in vehicles and even The Kennel Club have now got involved.
Every weekend dozens of cars, vans and motorhomes are travelling to dog shows including us nearly every weekend, we were in Jarrow ( NE ) last weekend with 7 dogs with us, 2 small ones inside and and 5 in the garage which is properly fitted with cages.
I have RAC heavy breakdown through Comfort and I will ring the police as well now if I breakdown, My Iveco chassis came with a yellow vest, flashing breakdown light and red triangle but I will look to suppliment this !!.
It happened at 05.30am in the dark so chances are it was a nodding driver and no vehicle would have stood a chance I am just amazed anyone got out.
Last week I was on the way to Sidmouth in Devon in my VW T5 with 6 dogs and got caught in a 4 hour delay because of the nutter on the M42 bridge, later I was doing 77mph on the M5 approaching Bristol when a front tyre went, not a blowout so I controlled it into the side, Green Flag sent a guy from Bristol, took 45 minutes to arrive and about 30 minutes to get the spare off and change it, It was on of the two 2007 michelin tyres on the van and the tyre depot examined it this week and said it had perished, motto is check your tyres, they said Michelins and Continentals are the worst for it

I have tried to put a couple of photo's on if it has worked, dogs are at the back but if a 40 tonner hits you no matter where they or we are we have have only a small chance of surviving.
I should say these pictures were produced for another reason hence the writing on them !!

 

[Volusia]

Found this on Facebook today - very upsetting for the owners and dogs but how many of us are aware of the RAC's policy regarding recovering vehicles containing dogs?

"Do you have breakdown cover with the RAC? And do you have dogs?

Think you're going to be rescued if you break down? Think again.

Last night 3 ladies broke down on the M40. In their camper van they had 12 dogs. The dogs were contained in the van. The RAC refused to move the vehicle to safety because of the dogs being on board - not even to a nearby services. The van was parked on the hard shoulder in the darkness for THREE hours, until a lorry ran into it. 3 dogs died, several were running loose on the motorway. Two of the passengers were injured.

Today I have spoken to the RAC to clarify what my membership covers and they have told me it is at the discretion of the recovery driver if he chooses to recover the vehicle if there are dogs on board. Even if those dogs are secured or crated. The dogs don't have to pose a threat in any way, it's solely dependant on the person who comes out to you.

If you have RAC membership and own dogs, can I seriously suggest you speak to them, ask them to change their policies and until they do, look elsewhere for your cover."

If the dogs were kept in the motorhome what on earth is it to do with some jobsworth what is in the vehicle? Add to this the attending jobsworth has/had a duty of care. Leaving these people on the side of the road with no hazard warnings is criminal in itself. He may not be completely responsible for what then followed but he certainly played a part. I hope they get a good solicitor and sue the RAC for neglect of duty! Had the driver done a normal risk assesment of the surroundings this need never have happened. But having said all that, isn't it a legal requirement that dogs are secure in a vehicle? ours always travel in a crate/cage. Dave

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[Janine]

If the dogs were kept in the motorhome what on earth is it to do with some jobsworth what is in the vehicle? Add to this the attending jobsworth has/had a duty of care. Leaving these people on the side of the road with no hazard warnings is criminal in itself. He may not be completely responsible for what then followed but he certainly played a part. I hope they get a good solicitor and sue the RAC for neglect of duty! Had the driver done a normal risk assesment of the surroundings this need never have happened. But having said all that, isn't it a legal requirement that dogs are secure in a vehicle? ours always travel in a crate/cage. Dave

If you have a read of Philcott's post on the last page, it looks like the dogs were all in specially designed cages.

 

[TheDogMan]

All the dog folks me know travel dogs in a cage fixed or loose, its for there safety and yours even hard braking could turn them into missiles

 

[daisy mae]

Ralph and Bev,

Wha on earth are you on about" they should have had cover," why do you think they and I are members of the RAC, that is cover if you break down, I am looking into my membership with the RAC yes I hold them responsible, and then the lorry driver, not much said about him, was he a foreign driver, ? it nust have been a nightmare for the ladies involved, I am wary of foreign drivers, have been for years, when we were at Calais waiting for the ferry home, my husband pointed to this foreign driver about this bald tyres and cracks in them, he just shrugged his shoulders,said no matter. nothing more to be said

.This is not good for the RAC .they should take the driver to task. they ought to be sued. lack of care leaving members in that situation. JMOP.

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