Recreational vehicle (RV) season is upon us as summer begins. Are you and your equipment prepared for travel, recreation, and camping? Before you hit the road, here are some tips to keeping your summer RV adventures safe and fun.
Prepare Before You Leave
You should be confident behind the wheel of an RV before you embark on a trip. Whether you own or rent, it’s incredibly important to be familiar with the RV you’re using. Get a feel for how the RV handles and drives before you start a trip. It’s also smart to be aware of the laws and regulations that apply in places along your route.
Be certain your RV is travel ready by completing an overall safety check before you leave. Make a specific checklist and review it thoroughly to be assured everything is in its place. Ensure that all stove burners are off. Make sure no doors or awnings have been left unlatched and retract any steps and stabilizing jacks. If you are towing a car, check the tow bar and secure the safety cables.
Look under your RV for fluid leaks and monitor your levels of coolant, engine oil and transmission fluid. Make sure the parking brake, air brakes and tow brakes are working properly. Check tire inflation levels and tread, including your spare, before you hit the road. Balance weight throughout the RV to lessen the possibility of tipping and try to plan water and waste stops along the way to reduce your weight on the road. Blown tires, height clearance mistakes, and overloading are the leading causes of RV accidents.
If you’re in a crash because of someone else failing to do enough to understand their vehicle, it’s your right to hold them accountable. No one should drive any vehicle until they’re confident in their skills. For further information or to schedule a consultation please contact Merdes Law Office, P.C.at 866.452.3741 or visit www.merdes.com.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do.
