Recreational Vehicle Accidents in Illinois on the Rise

 Posted on January 11, 2022 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

Since the COVID-19 pandemic first began a few years ago, the number of people using alternative means for travel has significantly increased. Recreational vehicles are popular and the more that are on the road, the higher the likelihood of an RV accident taking place can be. Knowing how to properly maintain your RV and the safety precautions that should be taken are imperative to ensure the safety of you and your passengers.

Common Causes of RV Accidents

RVs tend to be more prone to accidents simply because of the size and weight of the vehicle. A few additional variables to always keep in mind when traveling include:

• Speeding - Being aware of your speed at all times should always be a priority when driving an RV, give yourself additional time and space to stop.
• Inexperienced Driving - Since no special license is required to operate an RV, the majority of RV drivers are inexperienced. This can lead to poor judgment and the wrong decisions being made on the road.
• Blind Spots - Blind spots can be challenging when changing lanes or turning because of the contrasting blind spots you typically find on smaller vehicles.
• High Winds - Sideway winds are the most dangerous, whether you are parked or driving on the road. Always be aware of wind speeds and the risk of driving in them.
• Overloaded Loaded RVs - Overloading an RV is not only against the law but the driver could be held liable in the event of an accident if the vehicle is overloaded.

Maintaining your Recreational Vehicle

Knowing the safety checks to complete before getting behind the wheel is essential for keeping all travelers safe. Even though you may be renting an RV, you should perform a safety check prior to traveling each time. Basic checks may seem minor and tedious, but it can help keep you safe while on the road. Some of the safety measures that should always be considered include:

• Maintaining your propane tank - Propane tanks can explode or overheat when not checked or maintained properly. Your propane should regularly be checked by a professional. Never paint your propane tank a dark color because the tank will absorb sunlight and can quickly become overheated.
• Storing your load properly - An uneven load can be very dangerous and an indicator of the RV being unstable is when you notice the vehicle pulling in one direction as you make a turn.
• Frequently check your vehicle - Make sure the tires have the correct pressure and the headlights and taillights of your vehicle are working properly.

Contact a Waukegan Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, contact our Lake County RV Accident Lawyer at Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. For a free consultation, call 847-662-3303.

Source:

https://rv.org/blogs/news/short-wheelbases-and-accidents-go-hand-in-hand