9 Tips for Staying Safe In Your Motorhome

When you’re on the road in your motorhome, safety should be your number one priority. Are you doing everything you can to protect yourself and your family while on your road trip? Well, it’s not every day that we think about safety while we’re enjoying our vacation, but it’s definitely something that should cross our minds from time to time. Even more so when we’re travelling with our family. Safety experts at Orion love their Motorhomes as much as the next person, so they’ve created a list of 9 tips to stay safe in your motorhome.

1. Always buckle up

This one seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t actually buckle up while driving their motorhome. Always make sure that you and your passengers are buckled up before hitting the road. It only takes a second to do and it could save your life. When you’re travelling at high speeds, even a small accident can be fatal if you’re not buckled in. You should certainly install seat belts in all seating areas of your motorhome.

2. Don’t speed

We know that it’s tempting to put the pedal to the metal when you’ve got a big open road in front of you, but resist the urge. Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents, no matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving. So, it’s best to just obey the speed limit and avoid any potential accidents. When you are in a motorhome, you are much more likely to cause serious damage if you’re involved in an accident. Not to mention, speeding tickets are pretty expensive. Learn about the speed limits in the areas you’ll be travelling to and plan your route accordingly.

3. Drive during the day

This one goes hand in hand with tip number two. It’s always best to drive during the daytime hours when visibility is at its best. This will help you avoid any potential accidents that could occur if you can’t see what’s ahead of you. If you must drive at night, be sure to take extra precautions such as driving more slowly and keeping your lights on. When you’re driving in rural areas, be on the lookout for wildlife that could wander into the road. With the exception of emergency situations, it’s best to avoid late-night driving if you can help it.

4. Don’t tailgate

Tailgating is never a good idea, but it’s especially dangerous when you’re driving a motorhome. If the person in front of you has to stop suddenly, you could easily rear-end them and cause a serious accident. Not to mention, it’s just rude. So, give yourself and the person in front of you some extra space and avoid tailgating at all costs. Your motorhome is much larger than the average vehicle, so it may even take longer to stop if you need to. If someone is tailgating you, try to pull over and let them pass.

5. Don’t drink and drive

This should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. Never, ever drink and drive. It’s not only illegal but it’s also incredibly dangerous. If you’re planning on drinking, make sure to have a designated driver or plan to stay at your campsite for the night. It’s not worth risking your life or the lives of others just to have a few drinks. Your motorhome is your home away from home, so treat it with the same respect you would your actual home. So, don’t drink and drive.

6. Inspect your motorhome regularly

Just like any other vehicle, your motorhome needs to be inspected on a regular basis. Be sure to check the oil level, tyre pressure, and brakes before hitting the road. These simple maintenance tasks can help prevent accidents and breakdowns. It’s also a good idea to have your motorhome serviced by a professional mechanic at least once a year. This will help ensure that everything is in good working order and you can fix any potential problems with your motorhome before they become serious. If you’re not sure how to inspect your motorhome, consult your owner’s manual or ask a professional mechanic for help.

7. Be aware of weather conditions

When you’re driving a motorhome, it’s important to be aware of the current weather conditions. If it’s raining or snowing, be sure to drive more slowly and carefully. This will help you avoid any accidents that could occur if you can’t see what’s ahead of you. If the weather is particularly bad, it’s best to just stay put at your campsite for the day. There’s no need to risk your safety just to get to your destination. When you are travelling in extreme weather conditions, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

8. Have a proper plan in place

If you’re travelling with children, be sure to have a plan in place in case of an emergency. This might include having a list of emergency contacts, knowing where the nearest hospital is, and having a first-aid kit on hand. It’s also a good idea to have a plan for what to do if you get lost. This might include having a map of the area or knowing where the nearest gas station is. If you’re travelling with pets, be sure to have a plan for them as well. This might include having their vaccinations up to date and having a list of pet-friendly campsites. Having a proper plan in place can help ensure that everyone stays safe and enjoys the trip.

9. Stay connected

If you’re travelling in a remote area, it’s important to stay connected. This might mean having a satellite phone or two-way radio on hand. This way, if you have an emergency, you can easily call for help. It’s also a good idea to let someone know your travel itinerary before you set off. That way, if you don’t arrive at your destination when you’re supposed to, they can easily come and look for you. Staying connected can help ensure that everyone stays safe while travelling.

These are just a few tips to help you stay safe while travelling in your motorhome. For more information on safety, be sure to consult your owner’s manual or speak to a professional mechanic. Safe travels!