Road trip season has officially arrived, which means camping, day-trip, and vacations galore. RVs are a popular way to travel nowadays, making both driving and planning long trips convenient. It’s not all fun and games though. According to studies, roughly 70,000 people are injured in RV accidents annually. Be sure to follow these safety guidelines to ensure a fun, safe summer vacation.

Maintenance & Safety Checks
Many accidents involving recreational vehicles happen because of forgetfulness and poor maintenance habits. A simple unlatched door or loose tire could easily spell disaster. Before hitting the road, perform a safety check.

  • Check the underside of the vehicle for fluid leaks.
  • Check your fluids and top them off if necessary.
  • Take a look at your tire pressure and tread wear. Old and deflated tires can cause blowouts, which are one of the main causes of RV accidents.
  • Make sure that your awning, jack, and stairs are retracted.
  • Ensure that all doors and windows are latched shut.
  • Disconnect all sewer, power, water, tv, and phone lines.
  • Check that the towbar and safety cables are in place.
  • Make sure the weather is ideal before setting off.
  • Check belts and hoses for cracks.
  • Test your blinkers, headlights, and brake lights.

Weight, Hold On A Minute
Another common cause of RV collisions is overloading or uneven weight distribution. The heavier a vehicle is, the longer it takes to stop.

  • According to Missouri law, 20,000 pounds per axle is the maximum weight limit when driving an RV on the interstate, and 22,000 pounds per axle on non-interstate roads.
    • For RV’s with two axles on the trailer (tandem axle), the weight limit is 34,000 per tandem on interstates and 36,000 on non-interstates.
    • If there are three axles, the limit is 60,000 pounds.
    • Four axle RVs have a weight limit of 72,000 pounds.
  • Except for those on the interstate system, all highways allow an additional 2,000 pounds.
  • Overloading the trailer also increases the likelihood of tire blowouts.

Driving Safety
In addition to being heavier, recreational vehicles take up much more of the road than your average automobile. While operating these vehicles, it’s important that the driver keep that in mind.

  • When turning, keep an eye on the back end through your rear-view mirrors and be sure to make wide turns to accommodate the RV’s size.
  • When braking remember the ten second rule, which means giving yourself ten seconds of extra time and distance to stop between you and the vehicle in front of you.
  • If you’re towing a trailer, keep in mind that while in reverse, the trailer will turn the opposite direction that the wheel is turning.
  • If you’re driving on the highway, try to stay in the right lane as much as you can so that traffic is on the driver’s side, making other cars more visible.
  • As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so take it slow. Speeding will cause your RV to take even longer to stop.

Road trips are supposed to be fun getaways. Don’t let poor maintenance and driving habits get in the way of a good time! If you’ve been injured in an RV accident, you need professional legal advice. Contact one of our personal injury attorneys to set up an appointment for a free legal consultation.