Travel and social restrictions over the past year have made vacationing a challenge in some situations, but one area of the travel industry has been on an upward trend. Buying and renting recreational vehicles have increased over the past year, offering alternative vacation options for some who are not ready to book air travel and hotel stays.
RVs give travelers flexibility in the length of time and locations of their trips. While many continue to practice social distancing, RV travel also allows for more opportunities to spend time outdoors. All of these factors have made road trips more popular than ever. One-third of leisure travelers say that a road trip will be their re-entry point into travel once they feel safe to do so, according to Kampgrounds of America’s 2020 North American Camping Report.
Recreational vehicle sales in 2021 have grown significantly over the past year, with a 31.1% increase in wholesale shipments of towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, according to the RV Industry Association. There was also a 50% year-over-year increase in first-time RV renters between April and August 2020 according to RV rental company Cruise America.
Along with the growth in RV sales, RV park and campground usage grew by 20% in Florida in 2020. Historically in Florida, January through March is the peak season for people traveling by RV, but with more people traveling year-round, parks are seeing an increase in summer reservations.
RV Safety, On and Off the Road
Anyone buying or renting an RV should familiarize themselves with safety concerns specific to this type of travel. Here are some items to consider before planning or booking your trip:
RV Crash Risks
The number of people who died in a vehicle crash on the roads in 2020 rose by 8% compared to the previous year, the first jump in four years, according to the National Safety Council. Additionally, the fatality rate per 100 million miles driven spiked 24%, the largest annual percentage increase since the council began collecting data in 1923.
RVs are at a higher risk of accidents due to overloading or unevenly loading a vehicle, rollover due to a higher center of gravity, and larger blind spots. Follow added precautions when driving an RV on a road trip including traveling during daylight hours, drive slower and keep more distance between you and other vehicles on the road.
Weather Hazards
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a 60% chance of an above-normal season, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Know the forecast before leaving on a road trip and pay attention to weather updates while driving. Avoid inclement weather, if possible.
RV Park Safety
Many RV parks are limiting the capacity for visitors and requiring longer stays (30 days or more) for reservations. If space and limited contact are a priority, check with the park you are planning to stay at to know what their requirements are. Research the RV parks you are planning to stay at and read reviews to check for potential safety hazards. Property owners are responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions on his or her premises.
Rented RV Cleanliness
Like hotels, many RV rental companies have instituted stricter cleaning procedures over the past year to meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. If you are renting from a private owner, there is less of a guarantee that the vehicle you are renting is cleaned to CDC standards. Inquire about cleaning procedures before renting. You may want to plan on bringing cleaning supplies if that is a priority for you.
Our team at Panter, Panter, and Sampedro is here to listen to your concerns about potentially negligent situations, both on and off the road. If you or a family member have been injured due to the negligence of another, please contact our team for a free consultation to discuss your possible options. Call today at (305) 662-6178.
SOURCES:
RV Industry Association. (2021, Feb.) February RV Shipments Up 30%, Best February On Record. Retrieved from: https://rvia.org/news-insights/february-rv-shipments-30-best-february-record
French. (2021, May 24) How Safe Is an RV Road Trip? Retrieved from: https://nerdwallet.com/article/travel/how-safe-is-an-rv-road-trip
NOAA. (2021, May 20) NOAA predicts another active Atlantic hurricane season. Retrieved from: https://noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-predicts-another-active-atlantic-hurricane-season
Associated Press. (2021, Mar. 5) Traffic deaths rose 8% in 2020, even as Americans drove fewer miles during pandemic. Retrieved from: https://usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2021/03/05/pandemic-travel-traffic-deaths-up-8-2020-despite-driving-less/4590942001/
