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Between road trips, RVing and camping, summer gives us lots of opportunities to pack up our things, head outside and explore. RVs and camper vehicles are a great way to see more of what Canada has to offer; however, according to data from Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, insurance claims for RVs increase by 150 per cent during the summer months.
“The warm weather between May and August invites RV owners to take their vehicles on the road,” says Tony Irwin of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “But driving a camper or RV requires drivers and owners to take extra precautions to ensure a safe trip.”
Allstate Canada suggests keeping the following tips in mind when planning your next RV adventure:
1. Safety first! Some recreational vehicles and campers weighing more than 4,500 kg require an annual safety inspection. Check the rules in your province before you hit the road.
2. Check your system. Have your LP (liquefied petroleum) gas system inspected at a service centre every year before you take your trip. It’s important to have the system checked for leaks and proper appliance operating pressure.
3. Inspect your generator. Be sure to check out the exhaust system of your generator. Make sure everything is in working order to avoid risk of a carbon monoxide leak. If your RV doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector, be sure to install one.
4. Drive carefully. Driving an RV is not like driving a car. It’s important to consider the extra weight you’re carrying, as it significantly affects the distance required to stop. Remember to judge your speed accordingly and to give other cars on the road as much room and notice as possible. Use proper signaling at all times.
5. Be alert! As with any motor vehicle, you should not drive an RV when tired, feeling unwell or if you’ve been drinking. All of the above slow down reaction time and with a bigger vehicle a few tenths of a second make a very big difference.
Safety should also be top-of-mind when camping. Setting up camp outdoors involves a few precautions of its own. Here are five tips from Allstate Canada that will help keep your summer camping trips safe and enjoyable.
1. Plan ahead. Do you have your first-aid kit ready? Aside from the usual gauze and band-aids, include bug spray, sun screen, a pocket knife and, depending on where you’re camping, a snake-bite kit.
2. Keep the elements out. Investing in a high quality, fire-resistant tent is the first step. The second is to carry a tent emergency kit with you. Your kit should include patches, glue, needle, thread and a seam sealer.
3. Leave all flammable objects outside your tent. Never cook, store fuel, or refuel lamps, heaters or stoves inside your tent. Even if your tent is fire-resistant, it is not fire-proof. You run a greater risk of it catching on fire by bringing flammable objects inside.
4. Keep campfires safe. Avoid building your campfire too close to your tent or any trees. Remember to keep sand or water nearby to put out the fire quickly if necessary.
5. Avoid bears. If you encounter a black bear, the most common type found in Canada, do not run away. Make yourself as big as possible (if you’re in a group, stand together and face the bear). Be loud, wave your arms and slowly back away.
Considering these simple tips when planning your next RV and camping trip will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises.
For more information on RV and camping safety or to arrange an interview with Allstate spokesperson, Tony Irwin, please contact:
Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
416-515-7517 ext. 350
fox@thornleyfallis.com
