Accident Procedures for RV Travel Safety
You should be aware of the proper accident procedures to follow if you're involved in an accident. Of course everyone hopes they will never have to worry about this, but preparation is your best plan of action.
The first thing you need to remember is to stay calm and prepare to take decisive action. Following simple accident reporting procedures and an accident injury procedure can benefit all those involved.
Accident Reporting Procedures
If your on an interstate or intrastate highway and are involved in an accident you will need to call the police. If you are in a private parking lot you can still call the police to have a report filled out, but you’d most likely exchange insurance information with the other drivers involved and call your insurance agent to report the accident to them.What if the accident involves a fatality, an injury requiring medical attention, or requires a tow you should also call police?
There are some basic accident procedures you should follow in this particular situation for the appropriate corrective action. If you think you won't remember them print out this list and keep it in the glove compartment for easy reference in case of any emergency. Being prepared for a road collision lets you help others who may be injured and to make proper decisions in a crisis situation.
You should be carrying the following safety devices in your tow vehicle or motor home: Bi-directional triangles, a Mariner Fire Extinguisher, flares and a first-aid kit. These simple items can be important if an accident occurs and it's best to be prepared.
Accident Injury Procedure
- Stop! Turn on your 4-way flashers, move off the roadway if possible, turn OFF your engine, set your emergency brake and stay calm.
- Warn others with the use of bi-directional triangles, fuses with 30 minute burn times, or flares with a 60 minute burn time.
- Help any injured people using reasonable assistance. Call for medical help if necessary, keep individuals warm, DO NOT move injured people unless they are immediate danger and ask the injured people if they have someone who should be notified that they have been in an accident.
- Contact the police by calling 911, report the EXACT location and tell them if there are injuries involved, and NEVER leave the scene of the accident. Dial 911 or another local emergency number in emergencies such as a fire, traffic accident, road hazard or medical emergency.
- Contact your insurance company. Stay out of danger of traffic and take photos of the accident scene, this will help with claims and litigation. Focus on skid marks, debris, property damage, injured and uninjured individuals (be sensative to their injuries but get details) or anything else that have contributed to the accident.Focus on skid marks, debris, or whatever may have contributed to the accident.
Placing Bi-Directional Triangles
On a Divided Highway or a One-Way Road place triangle. (one step = 2 ˝ feet)- 10 feet behind your RV = 4 steps;
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100 feet behind your RV = 40 steps
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200 feet feet behind you RV = 80 steps
On a Two-Lane Highway place the triangle
10 feet behind your RV
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100 feet behind RV
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100 feet in front of your RV
RV Towing Safety Motorhome Safety
Now for a recap of the proper accident procedure tips: Remember that even if you are a safe driver you could be involved in an accident, and it's best to be prepared. Following a simple accident plan can eliminate confusion in a stressful situation.Remember to remain calm, secure the area with warning devices, call for assistance, and help any individuals that have been injured.
If your RV is still drivable after a collision then be sure you are relaxed and calm before you begin driving it again. Careless driving practices can lead to moving violations and decrease traffic safety for everyone on the road, so don't send text message, or other distracting behaviors while driving your RV.
We full time Rvers and on the road a lot and the more you're on the road the more lax you may become behind the wheel. Don't let that happen to you, always be aware and alert to potential dangers.
To ensure motorhome safety and RV towing safety it's best to be prepared and use the proper accident procedures while you are enjoying Full Time Rving on the open road.
