Many Maryland residents enjoy traveling in recreational vehicles. While they can offer a comfortable way for families and couples to tour the country, RV drivers need to be aware of some common causes of accidents and what they can do to avoid them.
Common causes of RV accidents
Between 70,000 and 80,000 RV accidents are reported in the U.S. each year, which is significantly lower than the number of accidents involving other types of motor vehicles. However, when RV accidents occur, they can be dangerous because of the sizes and weights of these vehicles. The following five causes are the most common factors that contribute to RV accidents:
- Drowsy driving
- High winds
- Overloading
- Blind spot errors
- Driver negligence
How to avoid RV accidents
Drivers can take steps to reduce the risk of recreational vehicle accidents by avoiding each of the five common factors listed above. They should never drive while drowsy and should pull off the road to get some rest when they begin to feel tired. Driving in high winds could cause an RV to sway and the driver to overcorrect and lose control. Going no more than the posted speed limit for trucks can help to prevent this issue. RV owners should never overload their vehicles because it can throw the weight off and cause rollovers. Make sure that the total loaded weight doesn’t exceed the standards for the vehicle’s rating.
Drivers need to know the blind spots of their vehicles and take extra care when changing lanes. They should signal and and always look over their shoulders before moving into an adjacent lane. Finally, RV drivers should avoid engaging in negligent behavior, including impaired driving, speeding, and being distracted behind the wheel. These types of behaviors can cause serious accidents involving injuries and potential deaths.