You can never be safe enough. I use a safety chain, it has bright orange vinyl coating on it. Sticks out like a sore thumb, but tells me to clip it on every time. I see a lot of people that dont use one…thats fine, their choice. Have seen only a few issues where one could have helped. I figure it takes about 5 seconds to attach it. Some guys figure thats too much time I guess. Kind of like trimming your engine up and not using any kind of transom saver….DUH!96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner