Avoiding a dangerous rollover in your RV
Driving an RV is nerve-wracking for many, especially those who are new to the lifestyle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says RVs are more likely to rollover than regular cars, due to higher centers of gravity, but offers some advice on avoiding these potentially deadly accidents on NewRVer.com.
The NHTSA says that 85 percent of fatal rollover accidents only involve one car, indicating that drivers are often responsible for causing them and can prevent them as well.
Excessive speed causes about 40 percent of rollover crashes. The NHTSA recommends abiding by posted speed limits and adjusting speeds for weather and road conditions to decrease the risk of having an accident.
If you're driving, avoid alcohol, says the NHTSA. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in as many as half of all fatal rollover crashes. Even a small amount of alcohol may affect your judgment, muscular coordination and vision, making you more likely to lose control of your vehicle.
The NHTSA also recommends that drivers avoid distractions like talking on cell phones or sending or receiving text messages while behind the wheel to cut down the risk of a rollover accident. Data shows that driver behavior causes the vast majority of these dangerous crashes and the NHTSA says it's imperative that drivers concentrate on the road instead of other things.