On the Road Again: Simple Tips for How to Make Your RV Vacation Safer

The open road can be an exciting place, and a means for any intrepid heart to get out and explore the world. In fact, taking a road trip is still one of the best ways to experience the country firsthand.

Interestingly, during the summer of 2020, people took to the roads for vacation travel in numbers not seen since the mid-1960s. And though this was largely due to travel restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, cross-country road travel saw a unique revival.  

One of the best ways to see the country, especially if you’re planning on a long trip, is to travel by RV. This strategy offers you most of the comforts of home, you’re able to get a change in scenery, and you’re able to bring along the whole family without being cramped in the family sedan.

But road travel does have its hazards. As such, the following will offer a few helpful safety tips for RV travel.

Insurance

Perhaps one of the more important elements to consider before taking a long road trip in an RV is your insurance policy. And depending on the policy you currently have, you may want to obtain a new quote if you find your insurance to be subpar. 

Your insurance policy is a lot like a lifeline when you’re on the road. And when you’re driving an RV, the last thing you want is to be broken down in the middle of nowhere without adequate insurance. 

Though you might have a few creature comforts with you when you travel, being broken down is not a fun experience no matter what type of vehicle you’re driving. And without roadside assistance of some kind, you may have to deal with a huge towing cost. 

Before heading out on the road, review your policy thoroughly, and make necessary changes if need be.

Travel Precautions

Driving an RV is not exactly like driving a car or a truck. Actually, it’s like driving an extremely large van, with limited visibility. As such, a few extra precautions need to be taken while you’re on the road.

While driving, you’ll want to ensure that you leave plenty of room in between you and other vehicles driving in front of you. And this is especially important when ascending hills or driving into sweeping curves. The more distance you keep between yourself and other vehicles, the safer you’ll be, and the safer you’ll be if you have to abruptly come to a stop.

Additionally, today with smartphones being such a distraction, it’s imperative that you know the signs for distracted driving. And some of the signs are as follows:

• Swerving frequently
• Riding the median
• Driving in the middle of the road
• Abrupt swerving
• Not maintaining a continuous rate of speed
• Visibly noticing motorists with their heads down

Being able to spot a distracted driver is one of your best defenses when it comes to road travel in an RV, or in any type of motor vehicle as well.

Where to Stay

When you’re traveling in an RV, especially when you’re traveling with bored children, finding an adequate place to stay for the whole family is going to be your biggest priority. Additionally, you’ll also want to find a place that’s safe for the family to stay as well. 

Planning your stops well ahead of time is going to be the best strategy when it comes to RV travel. And you’ll want to look for places that not only have accessible RV parking but grounds that have security patrols and nearby services as well.

Across the United States, there are numerous campgrounds and RV parks perfect for vacation, but not all of these places offer adequate services or security. As a precaution, ensure that you call ahead to verify accessibility before you head down the road. 

RV travel can be one of the most comfortable ways to see the countryside. But if you don’t make safety a priority, you’ll likely be in for a trip that you’d rather not remember.