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Driving a recreational vehicle isn’t always as easy as hopping in your car or truck and hitting the road. There’s a little more to keep in mind, whether you’re cruising from coast to coast in an RV or are using it for long weekends at the lake. Consider these safety tips before you head out in your RV.
Due to its height and length, motorhome drivers may have some blind spots you wouldn’t typically have with your average sedan. This means you may need to be a little more vigilant about what is going on around you. RVShare.com recommends making full use of your mirrors, both rearview and sideview, to see as much as possible of the road and traffic conditions around you. Newer RVs may even have cameras to help you monitor hard-to-see areas.
RVs are heavier than your average car, and can take a longer time to come to a complete stop after you’ve applied the brake. Keeping a safe following distance behind other vehicles may help give you the time and space to stop safely and prevent you from having to slam on the brakes.
The distance it takes to completely stop will be different for each vehicle on the road. It comes down to three things, says the Utah Department of Transportation (UTOD): the distance traveled before the driver perceives the need to stop, the time it takes the driver to react and step on the brake and the distance the vehicle travels with the brake pressed until it stops completely. The heavier the vehicle, the more distance it will need to stop completely, according to UTOD.
When you’re driving a motorhome, it’s important to check your tires each and every time you use the vehicle, says Kampgrounds of America (KOA). With the weight your RV tires are carrying, your safety depends on them being properly inflated at all times. Get yourself a tire pressure gauge and know exactly how much pressure your tires should have, then check them regularly. KOA adds that you should check the pressure when the tires are “cold,” which means they aren’t warm from recent use. Be sure they are inflated to the range indicated in the owner’s manual, and do not exceed the maximum pressure noted on the tires. You may also want to cover the tires when you’re not using the motorhome, says KOA, to help prevent damage from the sun and other elements.
While you certainly need to pack the gear you’ll need while living out of your RV, you also need to keep the added weight of your cargo in mind. You need to stay within the manufacturer’s stated weight limits, such as the Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings and Gross Axle Weight Ratings, as well as the tire weight limits, says KOA. It’s a good idea to weigh the packed RV and each axle end to be sure you’re within allowable weight limits. TripSavvy also recommends checking on laws in each state you’ll be visiting, as RV regulations regarding the weight of your vehicle may vary from state to state. For example, some states may require trailers over a certain weight to have brakes (in addition to the tow vehicle’s braking system).
How you pack your RV can make a big difference. Keep the load even and balanced, says DoItYourselfRV.com, and place heavier items closer to the ground. Be sure to secure loose items so they do not slide around while the vehicle is in motion.
As with any vehicle, it’s important to keep safety in mind at all times. While an RV may feel like home, it’s important for every passenger to use a seat belt while you’re on the road. Stay securely buckled in and avoid the temptation to move around.
Camping World also offers these safety tips for driving your RV:
RVs can be a great way to travel, but there are few extra precautions to consider before you hit the road. With a little practice and preparation, you may stay safer and have a trip to remember.
Originally published on October 18, 2012.
The post Driving Your RV: Staying Safe on the Road appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
When autumn begins, it’s important to remember that deer become more active as they get ready for mating season — which can mean a greater risk of deer-related accidents while driving. It’s important to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings to help you avoid this risk. Here are a few safe driving tips to keep in mind while on the road.
According to the University of Illinois Extension (U of I Extension), the majority of vehicle accidents involving a deer occur from October through December, when deer activity is at its peak. It’s important to pay close attention to what’s around you — including deer crossing signs, as they can help you identify areas known to have a high deer population. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recommends slowing down and increasing distance between your vehicle and other cars when you see those signs. The extra room may give you more time to react if a deer crosses the road in front of you.
Deer typically travel in groups, says the Insurance Information Institute (III), so if you cross paths with one deer, keep your eyes open for others. The U of I Extension advises that you should not swerve to avoid hitting a deer, even though it can be a common instinct, as it could cause you to lose control of your car and result in a more serious accident.
According to DeerCrash.org, deer tend to be most active at dawn and dusk. Since visibility is lower during these times, reduce your speed at night and use high-beam headlights for a better view — but make sure to tone them down when oncoming traffic approaches so you don’t reduce the visibility of other drivers. The brighter light can also help a deer’s eyes stand out, says the III, helping you spot a deer from further away. This may give you more time to slow down and safely pass the deer.
When deer are on the move, being able to see them from as far away as possible is important. To help ensure clear visibility, DeerCrash.org recommends keeping your windshield clean. You may also want to check your headlights regularly to be sure they are clean and in good working condition. While you’re at it, make sure your tail lights are clean and working as well — the U of I Extension states that if you see a deer on the road, tapping your brakes can help alert other drivers behind you of its presence.
Like all animals, deer can be unpredictable. While you can take many steps to improve your safety, sometimes accidents happen. If you do hit a deer, DeerCrash.org recommends coming to a stop on the side of the road and turning on your hazard lights. Once you’ve come to a stop, remain in your vehicle and report the accident to the local police department. The III states that you should not attempt to touch the animal, as a scared or wounded deer could cause further harm to itself — or even you.
Though deer season peaks from October through December, remember that a deer could run on or near roadways at any time of the year. Practice safe driving at all times and remember these few extra precautions to help get you through this time of year accident-free.
Originally published on November 17, 2011.
The post 5 Safe Driving Tips for Deer Season appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
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