An RV trip is perfect for spending time with friends and family. It’s a great way to connect with nature, unplug, and unwind on the open road. However, RVs are large vehicles that can be tricky to navigate in defensive driving situations. How can you prevent yourself from getting into an RV accident? What’s the best way to keep yourself safe should an accident occur?
Preventing Accidents
One of the best ways to keep yourself and your family safe on the open road in your RV is to take preventative precautions before an accident occurs. Focus on your driving skills and pay strict attention to other drivers on the road.
Avoid Distractions
On an exciting RV trip, sightseeing and family management can serve as dangerous distractions on the road. Pull over to do sightseeing. If you need an in-depth, distracting discussion with your family, consider waiting until the vehicle is stopped. The great thing about RVing is the ability to take your time on the road.
Practice Defensive Driving
Many car accidents occur due to other drivers’ recklessness. When you pay attention to other vehicles on the road, you can act defensively to prevent accidents. Always look in every direction before turning or changing lanes. Assume other cars don’t see you, even in a large vehicle like an RV.
Take RV Driving Classes
RVs are large vehicles that can be trickier to maneuver and get used to than smaller cars. Before hitting the road, you can take truck or RV driving lessons to familiarize yourself with the RV’s controls, size, and maneuverability. Formal education can be a great asset in preventing accidents.
Use Seatbelts
Most RVs come with seatbelts, especially in the driver’s seat. Other seats in an RV may only have lap belts, but they are sufficient to prevent many deadly injuries. When RV travelers are seated, ensuring your seatbelt is on is always a good idea.
When an Accident Occurs
Sometimes, accidents occur no matter how many precautions have been taken, mainly due to the fault of another driver. It’s essential to keep as calm as possible and know how to remain safe.
Get Out of Harm’s Way
Depending on the accident's severity, you may be unable to move your car or yourself. However, if you can pull to the side of the road and exit the vehicle, it may be in your best interest. Staying in the middle of the road may increase the risk of further accidents. If removing yourself or others would worsen injuries, it may be best to remain where you are. Assess the situation around you and use your best judgment.
Check for Injuries
Due to the shocking nature of an accident, adrenaline may cause you to ignore injuries you would have otherwise noticed. Inspect your body for any injuries, if possible. For any significant injuries, you will need to contact first responders for an ambulance to ensure you do not worsen any injuries. Don’t try to fix any significant injuries yourself. Don’t put weight on broken bones if you can.
Contact First Responders
Regardless of injury severity, first responders can help file an accident report, assess everyone for injuries, and clean up the road. Consider utilizing ambulance services even if you don’t think you’ll need one; sometimes, injuries can sneak up on you, such as concussions. Be honest and file a report with police officers on the scene; this establishes an essential record for insurance companies and attorneys, if applicable.
Take Photos and Information
If the involved parties remain on the scene, gathering information for your records and insurance companies is imperative. If you can, take photos of all accident damage. Write down the contact information and insurance policy information for all parties involved.
Get Medical Attention
Due to shock, you may overlook severe injuries for a while. Consider going to a doctor to receive a clean bill of health before continuing your road trip. Symptoms from conditions like brain swelling may not be apparent for a while. Safety is key.
File Insurance
To get help with vehicular damage repairs, you will need to file a car insurance claim. Insurance and fault policies change depending on where the accident occurred. In certain states like California, Tennessee, or Alaska, you will file an insurance claim with the policy of the driver who was at fault in the accident. In other states, you will file with your insurance for medical expenses regardless of fault, such as North Carolina or Florida; however, the responsible party will usually pay for car damage with their insurance, even in these states. An attorney can help with filing, and you may want to hold off on filing insurance if you’re pursuing litigation; speak with an attorney as soon as possible in these scenarios.
Consider an Attorney
If you have experienced financial and emotional setbacks due to the accident, an attorney can help you recover some of those financial setbacks. An attorney can also help walk you through filing insurance claims and more. Due to state road laws, regardless of where you’re from, you need an attorney who practices law in the state where the car accident took place. If you’re touring through Nashville and the Smoky Mountains, a Nashville car accident lawyer will be the most qualified to help you navigate the legal aftermath of your car accident. Similarly, a trip through the Grand Canyon will most likely warrant an Arizona accident attorney. If you’re uncertain where you are due to long miles on the road, authorities can help you.
Conclusion
RVing is a unique and rewarding experience, but it can be tricky to maneuver such a large vehicle, especially when other drivers aren’t paying attention. Practice defensive driving skills and know what to do during and after an accident to mitigate its impact on your life. Good luck and happy travels!