RV Accidents on the Rise As COVID-19 Changes How Floridians Vacation

After spending the last several months caged up at home with family or roommates, most people are ready to get away from home. However, with COVID-19 still circulating as quickly as it ever has and no vaccine on the nearby horizon, people are understandably reluctant to pack themselves into airplanes or hotels. With gas prices hitting record lows, many people are hearing the siren song of the road trip and renting recreational vehicles, which has led peer-to-peer camper rentals, such as RVs and trailers, to spike at record highs.

The travel industry has taken it on the chin during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the RV market is showing amazing resiliency in the face of a beleaguered economy and record-level unemployment rates. Production began ramping up again this month at major RV manufacturers, many of whom suspended operations during the early months of the pandemic. 

Dealers have seen strong demand for RV rentals and sales as would-be travelers look for options that minimize the risk of catching the virus. If you have been involved in an RV-related accident, call a Florida truck accident lawyer at Searcy Denney for help.

RV Accidents in Florida

Unfortunately, RV accidents are quite common, especially among new and RV-inexperienced drivers. According to the Florida Highway and Safety statistics, in 2017, there were over a hundred accidents involving RVs. A reported 985 people were involved in these accidents and injuries that varied from walk-away to very serious. In any accident involving a vehicle, there is the potential for injury, but when driving a vehicle that weighs more than most, it’s important to be as cautious as you can be.

Florida is a primary tourist destination for RV campers, both new and experienced. For Floridians, RV trips out west are quite popular. Unfortunately, the uptick in RV sales is very likely to result in a corresponding uptick in RV-related accidents.

Avoiding RV Accidents

There are several safety precautions that RV drivers can take to minimize their chances of being involved in an accident, including:

• Slow Down. An RV is much heavier than a regular car and takes much more time to stop. At faster speeds, you may not be able to brake in time. Always drive within the speed limit.

• Be Careful of the Wind. As RVs are now being built lighter, they are easier to flip over. It is important to keep your stabilizing jacks down when parked. Side winds are the most dangerous because of the square footage being exposed to the wind.

• Do Not Drive Impaired. This means under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as well as fatigued. It is important to get a good night’s sleep before heading off on a long trip, to limit the amount of driving time, and to avoid driving at times when you’d usually be sleeping.

• Avoid Overloading or Unevenly Loading Your RV. If your RV is overloaded in an accident, you may be found at fault. Review your insurance policy and find out the acceptable weight for your RV. You can weigh your RV at certain truck stops. Uneven loading is dangerous; you will notice a pull in one direction if your vehicle weight is uneven. This can lead to a tire blowout.

• Watch Your Turns. Take your turns wide, and stay in your own lane. You can learn the art of turning in a large vehicle by watching how experienced semi-truck drivers turn.

Let a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer Help If You Have Been Involved in an RV Accident

Driving an RV is quite different from driving a car or even a pickup truck. If you have been injured in an RV-related accident, contact a Florida truck accident lawyer at Searcy Denney. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. Contact us online today for help.