Driving Safety in a Motorhome

[Orrin]

I used to be an over the road trucker years ago, and I owed a fleet of trucks. I have found that you need to look at the event horizon. This changes constantly, when approaching a hill it will be very short, when topping the hill it will be very long. Look to the event horizon, your eye will catch the things that are important to you, brake lights, signs, animals, etc. You'll find that you automatically stay in your lane and have great situational awareness.
Do this when approaching narrow lanes, bridges and construction lanes. Look where you want to go, not at the hazard you are trying to avoid. This will avoid target fixation, you will hit what you are looking at.
Safe driving.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

Good thread to remind me of the importance of staying focused.
When we bought our coach (used) there were multiple check lists given to us. The check list for departure has an interesting item that my Bride and I have discussed during our travels many times; Is the driver rested and in a good emotional state? This has stuck with me and is now part of my routine the day before leaving - to be sure I have reduced stressors as much as possible and any emotional distractions.
Generally I find driving our rig relaxing and enjoy driving it more than our daily driver MB SUV. However, it does require focus and removal of distractions. My phone is setup as GPS using the RV Life app, but I do NOT look at any notifications. If traffic is lite around me I may glance at the ETA and how many miles until the next turn. But if there are any cars around me I never look at the GPS and instead will ask my Bride who is the navigator.
What Orrin shared about looking way down the road helped me immensely when we first started this adventure.
We stop every couple hours for a stretch break and also to walk the 2 labs.
Our 2 labs travel on a bed between the 2 front seats (super c). This keeps them low and close to us. In case of a quick stop or accident they can only move a few inches as they are usually up against the console already. If they need any attention while driving, my Bride takes care of it.
So lucky to have her in my life.
Stay safe out there.

Love reading this thread.

 

[B & J T]

Great site, great thread!

We're pretty new to the RV life, about one year into it and loving it. My rule of thumb has been to drive 65 mph or 5-10 mph below the posted speed limit, whichever is lower (if the speed limit is 55, I drive 45-50 mph). What does everyone else do? Am I overly cautious on the interstates doing 65 where the posted speed limit is 75?

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

I typically drive a few below the speed limit, and don’t typically exceed 65.

 

[Orrin]

Driving much slower than the traffic flow puts others in danger trying to get around you. Go with the flow and it will be much calmer around you and you will be in a less stressful situation.

 

["EZ"]

I usually drive 65 on the Interstate. If I want to pass a truck that keeps slowing down and speeding up I get around him by going as fast as I need to and then set my cruise back on 65. I do not tail gate anyone. These 40' (or longer) coaches take a while to get stopped, even with air brakes.