Safety Tips For Driving an RV at Night
Generally, you should avoid driving your RV at night if possible. The lower visibility and presence of tired drivers on the road make accidents far more likely to occur. At the same time, you may be forced by circumstances like an unavoidable delay or a lack of room at your destination to drive at night anyway. For these situations, Broadmoor RV has created this handy guide to night driving in your RV.
1. Never Drive While You’re Tired
According to the National Safety Council, driving while tired makes you three times more likely to get into a fatal accident. This is especially true when driving RVs because they are bigger and heavier than other vehicles, making quick reaction times and paying attention even more important. RV drivers should switch out if they feel themselves nodding off instead of relying on caffeine to keep themselves awake. If no one in the RV is alert enough to drive, it is safer to just pull over.
2. Clean Your Windshield
It is already difficult enough to see at night without a dirty windshield. Check your wiper fluid levels before each trip and top it off if it is low. Some RV owners go so far as to take a bottle along with them, just in case. You should also replace your wiper blades if you notice them becoming less effective at cleaning.
The inside of your windshield needs attention as well, so clean it using glass cleaner and paper towels. Use newspaper to get streaks off the glass and run the heating or cooling system if you notice any condensation forming on the glass.
3. Dim Interior Lighting
Bright interior lights can be distracting to the driver at night. Dim or turn off any interior lights in the cabin. Ask your passengers not to utilize bright screens that might bother and distract the driver.
4. Watch The Road For Animals
While you may be less active at night, the opposite is true for nocturnal animals like raccoons and deer. Be vigilant, especially when driving through forested or rural areas. Watch for road signs warning of animals on the road. If you encounter an animal on the road, brake instead of turning. It is less dangerous to hit a deer than to swerve off the road trying to avoid it.
5. Add More Exterior Lighting
If you know that you will be frequently driving your RV at night, you can make modifications to help make things safer. Visibility is the key here, both in terms of you seeing and in terms of others seeing you. Adding LED bar lights to the sides of your RV is one helpful upgrade. However, keep in mind that they should not be used in fog and they can be distracting for other drivers if used improperly. If you choose to install brighter headlights, make sure they are properly aligned for maximum effectiveness.
We here at Broadmoor RV want you to drive your RV safely no matter what the time of day. For more information or to view our selection of RV models, visit our dealership in Pasco, Washington. We are proud to serve the Tri-Cities and other local Washington communities like Yakima and Spokane.