With summer quickly approaching, it is not uncommon to see huge RVs sharing the road with much smaller passenger vehicles. As Colorado is both a destination and a popular conduit to other vacation spots, commuters will likely see dramatically increased traffic over the summer. Unfortunately, some people driving large recreational vehicles might be doing so for the first time.
With the sales and rental numbers of recreational vehicles (RVs) booming across the nation, upcoming RV travel makes sense during the summer months. For many RV drivers, however, this year’s vacation might represent their first extended time behind the wheel of the giant vehicle. Here are some tips drivers can use to help them avoid a collision with an RV:
- Assume it’s an inexperienced driver: No matter what you witness, it is wise to assume the vehicle is piloted by a novice driver. In general, this assumption will lead you to increase your follow distance, give a wide berth at corners and stay as far away as it is safely possible given the unique traffic conditions.
- Avoid tailgating: Whether you are following an RV on a mountain road or cruising through city traffic, being behind a slow-moving vehicle can be frustrating. Many drivers feel the temptation to crowd the vehicle ahead of them to encourage them to speed up. Unfortunately, to a novice driver, this can dramatically increase their stress level causing them to make dangerous driving mistakes.
- Be aware of blind spots: Like an 18-wheeler, an RV is a long vehicle with a wide blind spot. Avoid traveling beside the vehicle, choosing, instead to pass quickly. Additionally, the RV might be subjected to strong winds which can push a novice driver out of his or her lane into yours.
While it might be impossible to be prepared for every mistake an inexperienced RV driver might make on the road, following these tips can help the drivers of smaller passenger vehicles avoid collisions. Unfortunately, these types of motor vehicle collisions can lead to devastating property damage and catastrophic injuries such as brain damage, paralysis and amputation.