3 Common Types of RV Accidents and How to Avoid Them

The last thing most people think about when RVing is having an accident.  I have to admit, I’ve made mistakes along the way in our RV.  So, my hope is to highlight 3 Common Types of RV Accidents so you can avoid them if you can.

1. FALLING DOWN

• Yep, simple yet who thinks of falling IN or OUT of the RV for that matter. I have to confess; I fell in the RV while my husband was driving.  While one person is driving the RV, it’s easy to get up and move about the cabin.  However, if the driver suddenly breaks, you can easily fall to the floor if you lose your balance. Try to remain seated at all times when possible to prevent a sudden fall if the driver breaks.
• Just recently, my husband and I had our RV parked in the driveway after having it recently serviced. We were just hanging out in the RV with the dogs (they think they are on vacation).  It was a bit dark out and we decided to go into the house.  It totally slipped my mind that my husband extended the leveling jacks AND he forgot to lock the steps so they were extended.  I ended up falling out of the RV before the steps were fully extended.   The pain was so bad I ended up in the emergency room and later found out my foot was broken.  So, make sure your steps are always locked in the extended position if you know you are going out of the RV.  Also, wait a few seconds to make sure the steps are fully extended before you make your way down the steps.
• The ladder on the back of the RV is another place that can be dangerous. The rungs of the ladder can get a little slippery even if a little dew is on them from the night before.  Falling down at any distance is no fun, so always have someone nearby as you climb up and down the ladder of your RV.

2. MISHAPS WHEN BACKING UP OR MAKING TURNS

• Having a mishap while backing up or making turns is another common accident that can happen while RVing. Most RVs have blind spots and areas that are difficult to see when baking up or making turns.  So many people these days are in such a rush.  It seems like very few people give courteous roadside consideration to RVs.  I found out first hand just how Not-Nice people can be when trying to get gas in an RV.  They don’t understand that we usually require the entire lane of gas pumps in order to refuel because the size of our rigs.
• TAKE YOUR TIME! Try to have a spotter get out of the RV and stand where they can assist you with pulling up to the gas pumps and stopping traffic if necessary so you can position your RV appropriately.  It’s also helpful to have your spotter make sure you are turning wide enough and that your RV is clear of all trees that can possibly damage your RV or any other equipment such as awnings.

3. MISJUDGING SAFE STOPPING DISTANCE

• All of us who have RVs know how important it is to give yourself extra stopping distance. It’s easy to underestimate how much time it takes to come to a complete stop.  However, do yourself a huge favor and always err on the side of caution.  This is a tip for your safety and others.  No matter what type RV you have, it takes a bit longer to stop because the weight of your rig.  Inevitably we always encounter that one knuckle-head driver who wants to dart in front of our RV when they know traffic is slowing.  It’s always best to expect the unexpected because people can sometimes be inconsiderate.

While driving recently in Texas I underestimated when the signal was turning red.  I ended up having to drive through the light that just turned red because I didn’t have time to stop.  This could have been disastrous!  I learned a valuable lesson and will always go slower than I need to regardless who’s honking at me.

ALWAYS THINK SAFETY FIRST

At the end of the day, always think safety first.  Driving an RV is so liberating but we can’t forget the responsibility that comes with it.

Always be on the look out for other drivers who are not considerate of the size and towing abilities of your RV.

Do your best to pack an even load in your RV and DO NOT over-pack.  No matter what type rig you have, there are weight limitations to consider to maintain safe travels.

Keep up to date on maintenance of your RV.

Check tires before going on any trip.

Do not forget to do a walk-around before you drive away.

ALWAYS, I mean ALWAYS, make sure all your doors are latched and locked before you drive away so nothing goes flying out while you’re driving or so you don’t lose a door.

I hope this bit of information was helpful to you.  Happy Camping!