A recent survey has found that 99 percent of us think we’re safe
drivers. But, are we checking under the hood, kicking the tires or
even buckling our seatbelts? Surprisingly, nine out of 10
Americans are not. But why? The National Safety Council (NSC) and
Castrol GTX Start Up conducted a national survey to find out. When
you’re driving an RV, motorhome, or travel trailer you’ve got to
be extra cautious.
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"For so long, safe driving discussions have centered on safety
while driving that Americans have almost forgotten to take the
proper safety precautions before starting their cars," says Chuck
Hurley, NSC transportation safety group vice president. "While
some may see it as mundane, the reality is that in a tricky
driving situation, having followed the start-up safety precautions
before turning the key can make the difference between RV safety
and a disaster."
So, what should you be doing before you start your RV, motorhome,
or Tow Vehicle? Following are seven guidelines:
- Buckle seatbelts and make sure they’re properly fastened.
- Adjust your mirrors. This is especially important for motorhomes and travel trailers
- Position the seat and head restraints.
- Secure all loose objects in your RV.
- Turn off cell phones.
- Look for engine warning lights.
- Check the fluid levels in your RV.
In finding that American drivers are not taking the proper pre-start
precautions, Castrol GTX Start Up and the NSC have developed
an easy-to-remember START UP checklist. You can use this checklist
before driving the family car, or the family RV, motorhome, or
travel trailer tow vehicle.
"All drivers need to remember is START UP as a way to follow the
pre-driving safety guidelines," says Hurley. "The START UP
checklist will take people less than five minutes -- it seems
worth it, given the alternative."
S - Secure loose objects
T - Turn off cell phone
A - Always check warning lights
R - Read fuel/fluid levels
T - Tire pressure
U - Use seatbelts - every person, every time
P - Properly adjust mirrors
Remember to use this simple acronym every time you START UP your RV
, and you can increase your personal safety margins.
