RV accidents can happen anywhere. Wherever you find these recreational vehicles, there’s a risk of a traffic accident. Florida’s warm winter temperatures draw RV owners to the Sunshine State. In 2020, 217 fatal car accidents involved recreational vehicles in Florida and this is expected to increase as the vehicles continue to grow in popularity. Thankfully, not all RV accidents result in a fatality, but a wreck involving these large vehicles often results in significant injuries and property damage.
Common Types of Accidents Involving RVs
RVs are great for extended travel. You can see the sights, visit the attractions, and sleep comfortably in your vehicle. With kitchens, bathrooms, and extensive infotainment systems, it’s easy to see why recreational vehicles are gaining in popularity. Want to spend a few months touring the country? Consider renting or buying an RV. Most RVers discover it’s less expensive to fuel and park an RV than booking multiple hotel stays throughout their trip.
While there are benefits to the RV lifestyle, the vehicles also come with risks; RVs can be difficult to manoeuvrer due to their large size. Don’t forget about the blind spots, RVs have several. Even braking an RV takes some planning and effort since you can’t stop the vehicle on a dime. All of this can increase the chances of the RV being involved in an accident. To help better inform you, here’s a look at some of the common types of RV accidents reported on Florida highways.
#1. Runaway Trailers
Not all RVs are single vehicles. Some are trailers attached to another vehicle like an SUV or a pickup truck. You attach the trailer to the towing hitch, make sure everything is securely latched, and you’re on your way. However, hitches can become loose, especially on bumpy roads. Sometimes, the trailer isn’t properly secured and this can result in a runaway trailer. When the trailer breaks free, it can cause significant damage and injuries if it strikes another vehicle.
#2. Loose Loads
RVs come with plenty of storage space inside, on top, and on the back. You can secure bicycles and luggage to the vehicle’s racks. If these items aren’t properly secured they can fall off, creating hazards for motorists beside and behind the recreational vehicle.
#3. Vehicle Failure
Recreational vehicles can experience mechanical failures and tire blowouts. Since the driver isn’t expecting any issue to pop up, they’re rarely ready for an immediate response. The mechanical failure can cause them to lose control of the RV, this is a common issue when a tire suddenly goes flat or blows out. Sometimes, you have a little warning and can take evasive driving manoeuvrers. However, if you can’t react in time, accidents, sometimes catastrophic, can occur.
#4. Inability to Control the Vehicle
Some RVs are over 400 feet long. While this can be great news for the owners’ comfort. They have plenty of room to relax and store all of their gear. The downside is these large vehicles are hard to control. Even experienced RV drivers can run into occasional issues. When a driver loses control of their RV, accidents are just waiting to happen. Steering an RV at highway speeds takes a lot of control. The RV can run off the road or collide with another vehicle.
#5. Rear-end Accidents
Yes, RVs are big and usually easy to see. Most drivers can stop in plenty of time before rear-ending a recreational vehicle. However, RVs can’t stop on a dime and this can cause an accident. If the RV driver isn’t paying attention to their surroundings, they can rear-end the lead vehicle. Being rear-ended by an RV typically does more than cause minor dents in the fender. Your vehicle can be totalled and injuries severe.
#6. Off-tracking
Okay, off-tracking doesn’t mean finding someone living off the grid. Instead, it’s a weird phenomenon that affects the rear tires on an RV. Basically, the rear tires decide to go in a different direction than the front wheels on a turn. When the front and rear tires aren’t moving in sync, accidents are common. The recreational vehicle typically crashes into objects on the right side. If you’re passing or stuck in traffic on the right side of a turning RV, you may be at a greater risk of being involved in an accident.
Talk to an Accident Attorney If You’re Involved in an RV Collision
RVs offer a unique and enjoyable vacation experience, and while they are generally safe, their larger size does inherently increase the risk of being involved in an accident. In the event that you find yourself in a collision involving an RV, it's important to consult with an accident attorney.
Remember: an attorney with experience in such cases can assess the specifics of the incident and determine if you are eligible for financial compensation!
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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