Common Causes of RV Accidents

While we often hear about passenger vehicle accidents on the road, RVs have their share of unexpected events during New Albany-area adventures. Since RVs are usually taken out during family vacations and special occasions, drivers may need to be more familiar with the size of the vehicle and may need to remember the intricacies of caring for their vehicle. To ensure your recreational vehicle’s safety while on the road, it’s helpful to be aware of the most common RV accidents and how to avoid them. However, if you do run into trouble on the road, the RV services available at Byers Collision Center can get you running again.

Most Common Motorhome Accidents

While you’re itching to experience the joys of the open roads around Pickerington and Gahanna, there are several safety precautions and additional situations RV drivers should be aware of. Make sure you’re up-to-date with your general RV maintenance and keep these most common RV accidents in mind:

• Inexperienced Drivers: As you can expect, driving an RV is different from driving a typical passenger vehicle. RVs are longer, heavier, and require more room to stop and turn than sedans or pickup trucks. If you’re planning a road trip, be sure to take the time to learn recreational vehicle safety tips and take an RV driving course.
• Tired, Distracted, or Impaired Drivers: While you’re carrying all the conveniences of home, RV drivers have to take extra care to not push the limits of their travel. Maybe you’ve enjoyed an alcoholic beverage during your dinner break, or you’re inching closer to your destination late into the night, or the family is having too much fun in the back. Anything that diminishes your reaction time or pulls your attention away from the road is dangerous. Take the time to gather yourself before getting back on the road.
• High Winds/Gusts: Fast winds on an open highway can be scary in a small sedan, so a tall, flat-sided RV can take a hit from the wind. When staying off the road isn’t an option, be sure to slow the RV down in areas with high winds to fight the swaying. If possible, it may be easier to take side roads with more natural coverage.
• Blind Spots: Unfortunately, the design of an RV leads to accidents happening just out of sight. Blind spots on RVs are larger than those in a car and often happen during lane changes and turning. You can avoid these types of motorhome accidents by learning how to adjust the many mirrors on an RV and how to use them effectively.
• Overloaded RV/Unevenly Loaded Trailers: It’s important to know the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the RV so you don’t put stress on the brakes and suspension. Similarly, an improperly loaded trailer can lead to trailer sway, which makes it difficult to stay on the road. Knowing the limits of your vehicle and attached trailers can help you avoid major motorhome accidents.

As you’re journeying to discover the hidden treasures around Pickerington, one of the most important tips you can keep in mind is: take it easy. Take the time to make sure you understand what it means to drive safely and take the time to check your mirrors and speed on the highway.

Schedule RV Services at Byers Collision Center!

Understanding the most common RV accidents can help you avoid them during your next adventure. However, accidents do happen. When you’re ready to get back on the road, schedule a service with Byers Collision Center and our technicians will use genuine OEM parts to get you moving again.