Staying Safe on the Road: Our Ultimate Guide to RV Safety

Summer is now upon us and that means road trips. Packing up and heading out in an RV is what the summer months are all about. While the destination is important, arriving safely at the chosen location is most important. This guide to staying safe on the road is broken into three categories: before, during, arrival. Keep these RV safety tips and tidbits in mind and include them in your summer travel plans. 

RV Safety First

Prior to jumping into safety suggestions, outlining some RV travel facts should happen first. These statistics aren’t meant to scare or discourage. Rather, they are to inform and show why safety should never be overlooked. 

With the increase of RV popularity climbing each year, its not a big surprise to learn that close to 11% of US households own an RV. One million Americans choose to live full-time in their recreational vehicles. A statistic from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that annually, there are tens of thousands  (70,000) RV and motorhome accidents. Additionally, RVs are estimated as being three times more likely to be involved in a collision leading to a fatality that the typical cars and pickup trucks. 

Now, that doesn’t mean to go and sell the RV, but what it does mean is that RV drivers should try to be three times more observant as to what’s going on around them on the roadways. 

But, before we discuss safety trips while on the road, let’s start where each journey begins: the driveway. 

Know the Routes

Many plan their trips months in advance, put down deposits and make sure the trip’s itinerary is secure. While that is the norm, sometimes a bit of fine-tuning might be in order. Give a glance over planned routes and check the night before or the day of departure for road conditions, closures or large delays. Keeping an eye on weather patterns and predictions is also suggested. Its better finding out about summer thunderstorms being in high likelihood before you head out. 

It’s also a good idea when planning out driving itineraries to be reasonable. No need to put a three-day trip into a 1.5-day drive. Set reasonable and safe driving goals, allowing for driving rest time. 

RV Safety begins in the driveway

Before heading out, take steps to prevent potential distractions and other common causes of driving in an unsafe manner. While some of these suggestions might seem more like a review than news, covering the basics is always a good place to start. 

Maintenance 

This routine is the same as the upkeep on a car; oil changes and checks, inspecting tire treads, wiper blades and properly working brake and blinker lights are standard checks prior to driving. 

Maintaining proper maintenance on an RV includes additional steps, such as checking smoke detectors, carbon monoxide readers and ensuring all exterior pieces are properly stored and tied down. Be sure to ensure weight balance is correct on any towed cars or trailers. In short, taking the time before each trip to conduct a pre-drive safety check is a good investment of time, and of safety. 

‘Buckle Up’ the Fur Babies

Many RVers travel with Fido or felines, and it’s recommended that the fur babies are crated during travel sessions. This is for their safety as well as yours. Keeping them secure while you drive will ensure they don’t become a distraction. The cats likely won’t mind, as they tend to sleep the days away, anyway. The dogs might object a bit but keeping them calm during the driving sessions will ensure they will be alert and ready for free time at the dog park upon arrival. 

Hands-Free

Being distracted while driving is the number one reason for car accidents. This annually placed title is recognized by many yet continues to grow worse. 

When thinking about roadway distractions, cell phones would likely come to mind first. Opting in for hands-free phone usage is an easy way to keep distractions down. Letting the co-pilot maintain the phone is a sure-fire way to keep eyes on the road. Whichever method is chosen, becoming hands-free from electronics should be initiated prior to leaving the driveway. 

(Enjoy this RV Safety Checklist on us!)

Safety on the Road

Now that we have pre-departure checklists covered, let’s move on to the main topic of safety on the roadways. We all know the basics of not following too close, staying under the speed limit and taking breaks as needed. 

Break as Needed

Driver fatigue can bring about a lot of the same hazards as a person who is driving while under the influence. Reaction times will become slower, and a tired driver is more likely to miss a stop sign or traffic signal than an alert driver. 

Many RV-centric companies recommend stopping every couple of hours to take a 15-minute break. Walk around, stretch your legs, grab some coffee. Whatever is needed to give your eyes a break and give your body a bit of free time. You know what else needs some free time? The doggies that have been kenneled during the drive. They would love a few minutes of exercise at a roadside doggie park. 

As a general rule of thumb, for long distance drives, a goal to reach is 45 minutes of break time for every four and a half hours of drive time. 

Road Conditions

Mother Nature can absolutely be unpredictable. Even though you checked the weather before leaving, thunderstorms and severe weather can pop up with little to no warning. Rain-covered roadways can affect driving capabilities, while falling rain can hinder sight visibility. 

 Pulling over into a parking lot, truck stop or rest area until the heavy rains and/or severe weather passes is the best plan of action. 

Safety Supplies for the Unexpected

What to Bring

It’s good practice to be prepared and being prepared for unplanned hiccups is part of being a responsible driver. While a lot of items might be on this list, having one or two duffel bags for storing them wouldn’t take up a lot of room. Here’s a few items to bring along on the off chance of needing them. 

• Tool Kit- electrical tape, screwdrivers, duct tape, a flashlight, and rechargeable batteries
• Fire Extinguisher
• Snake bite kit
• Spare tire jack
• Roadside flashers and a reflective vest
• Extra gallons of clean drinking water (at least three)

Other suggestions for being prepared for an emergency include cash, a weather radio, a hand-held battery jump box, and a solar-powered phone charger. A portable generator might be considered standard gear in RVs, because it provides some extra piece of mind.  

Common medicines and topicals can be placed in a small makeup bag. Buying over the counter meds while on the road can be pricy so bring along the Tylenol, Benadryl, peroxide and Band-Aids from your home medicine cabinet. Pack up any meds or vitamins for your pets as well. 

‘Old School’ Supplies

Technology is great but not always reliable. Google maps are amazing, but what happens when the service isn’t available? Time to go ‘old school’. Consider dusting off those old state maps, collect some MapQuest step-by-step printable directions and carrying some pens and a small notebook or two. 

In that notebook, jot down things like important phone numbers of family and friends. This will be handy in case of a lost or damaged cell phone. Also, the notebook will be a great place to add your insurance policy number and phone number, your doctor’s number and vet office phone number, along with the number for roadside assistance.

No trip can be taken without a hiccup or two. You know what is said about best laid plans. Plan out your trip and expect the best but be prepared for anything. Staying safe is the ultimate goal. By doing some pre-trip work, you can help ensure a safely driven adventure. Staying alert and free of distractions will allow you to be more of an offensive driver. Following these guidelines aren’t fool proof, but should provide some peace of mind knowing you are staying safe on the road.