The Wisconsin Department of Transportation yesterday released a state-wide bulletin detailing safety precautions for drivers who utilize trailers. Officials urge motorists to consistently check their towing connections to avoid potential injuries and even deaths.

This announcement follows and is in response to the tragic April 20 truck-trailer accident wherein a University of Wisconsin-Green Bay student was struck and killed by a trailer that came loose from a truck as it passed her on U.S. 41.

Had the connection been more secure, the accident could have been avoided.

“For safe towing on roadways, state law requires that the ball-and-hitch coupling assembly must match exactly and fit securely,” Wisconsin State Patrol Lt. Nick Scorcio said in the release.

Scorcio also suggested that drivers always use two chains of appropriate length to reinforce the towing connection.

Those in violation of the trailer laws can be fined and receive demerits on their driver’s license.