It’s that time of the year. Or at least it would have been that time of year… but then coronavirus happened.
School is out and summer is here. We expect to see families loading up and heading out for a week of fun in the sun. Yet many resorts are closed, pools might not open and quarantine restrictions are ever changing. But all hope is not lost. Families across the state have had to act fast and pivot to still take advantage of these summer months.
With all of the unknowns, risks and hassles associated with “typical” summer vacations in a world with COVID-19, families are opting for:
- Staycations,
- Road Trips,
- RV Rentals, or,
- Camping.
Injured While Enjoying Your Staycation?
A staycation is when you opt to stay in your local area rather than traveling long distances. This give you the chance to explore and support local businesses and attractions. However, many people assume that because they are local that they have a lower risk of injury – they know the area so well. Do not fall prey to this mindset – 52% of car accidents occur within 5-miles of a person’s home.
The Summertime Family Road Trip
For many people, a road trip and/or RV rental is the best answer for a safe vacation with the family. Since the start of the Coronavirus there has been a steady up tick in RV rentals and purchases. An RV is a Recreational Vehicle and should not be driven by an inexperienced person. Just like a semi-truck this is a heavy vehicle and it take a bit of training to be able to handle it correctly on the road.
A vast portion of RV accidents are due to a mistake by an inexperienced driver. Particularly, the larger-than-normal blind spots on these vehicles increase the likelihood of an accident when it comes to changing lanes or turning. Also, an inexperienced RV driver may not realize they need a lot more time to stop – they are not driving a sports car that can stop on a dime. Another factor that contributes to RV accidents is that many drivers will push to drive longer to get to their next destination – driver fatigue is nearly identical to driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Take Extra Care While Driving An RV
Many think that driving a motorhome or an RV is like driving their car. But that could not be further from the truth. The average car weighs less than 3,000 pounds. Yet the average RV weighs anywhere from 6,000 to 30,000 pounds, depending on the class of the RV. Additionally, due to their massive size, weight distribution within the RV is an important factor to consider when loading and unloading. If everything is loaded to one side, you are asking for trouble. Lastly, the turning radius for an RV is significantly larger and wider than your car.
Driving an RV can be intimidating and nerve-racking. However, it is ok to be nervous. That means you have the willingness to learn and desire to drive safely. Just take your time, pay attention to your vehicle and your surroundings. Remember, you can only control your actions.
Has Your Vacation Or Staycation Been Ruined By An Accident?
While we hope you never answer “Yes” to this question, the process is simple:
- Call 911,
- Take Pictures & Videos,
- Get The At-Fault Driver’s License & Insurance Card,
- Get Medical Attention, and
- Call Georgia Trial Attorneys at 833-4TheWin.