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Driver Safety Tips

Planning Recreational Vehicle Trips This Summer? Stay Safe With These Tips!

June 3, 2018 by opolaw

What’s hotter than a California freeway at five o’clock?

Taking day trips, extended weekends, and vacation excursions in a recreational vehicle, that’s what!

The recreational vehicle industry has enjoyed steady growth since 2012, reaching more than a half-million RV shipments delivered annually. Why? People appreciate having the freedom to traverse the nation while saving money. At the same time, driving an RV is a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Although National Highway Safety Administration figures from 2017 predict a slight decrease in traffic fatalities in the California region, a crash doesn’t have to be deadly to have serious repercussions. Numbers from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that fatal California accidents totaled more than $4B in 2015. That doesn’t even touch upon the dollar figure attached to non-fatal occurrences. Any road incident can quickly lead to injuries and lost wages.

Interested in joining the ranks of RV enthusiasts? Fortunately, with a little prevention, you can protect your vehicle investment and your loved ones. Before you rent a motorhome or purchase a new or used model, remember that safety should always come first when it comes to operating recreational vehicles.

Driver Credentials on Hand?

One of the biggest RV challenges is making sure all drivers have proper skills and experience. RVs are notoriously tricky to maneuver, even for seasoned drivers. For that reason, California is clear on its policies on the types of licenses necessary to legally get behind the wheel of an RV.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a Non-Commercial Class B license is needed for a housecar between 40-45 feet, whereas a Non-Commercial Basic Class C license is fine if the housecar is less than 40 feet. Plus, if you’re going to be towing your car behind your RV, you must have a Non-Commercial Class A license that has been properly endorsed.

Confused? It’s okay: The language can be tough to navigate. Like most regulations, your best bet is to talk to someone you trust such as a mechanic or California-based RV dealer. In the meantime, take a walk through this DMV online manual that gives you an extensive look at a wide array of RV types, requirements, and other considerations.

Insurance Up to Par?

Relatively new to the RVing world? First time owning a motorized vehicle or just towing a camper? Call up your favorite auto insurance provider to be sure you’re getting the best policy for your needs. An RV is a sizable financial investment, so don’t skimp on insuring it.

California law requires that all vehicles have liability coverage but consider adding comprehensive, collision, and other insurance types if you have a standalone motorhome. This might be the time to talk to a local insurer rather than just taking whatever you can get online. That way, you can speak one-on-one with someone in your neighborhood while supporting your community’s economy.

Equipment in Tip-Top Shape?

Another way to play it safe when RVing is to get a complete inspection performed before heading out on major trips. If your RV has idled all winter in your garage or outside, it’s ready for a tune-up anyway. Be sure the inspection includes everything from the health of the tires to the security of the hitch. Nothing’s worse than finding out your air conditioning is on the fritz when you’re 500 miles from home!

Of course, you can and should conduct your own inspection of the interior of the RV as well. Spend time cleaning up the space where everyone will live for a few days, a few weeks, or maybe longer. Be sure heavy items aren’t in spots where they could fall or hurt someone.

Test Run Under Your Belt?

As a final suggestion, be sure that your first time going somewhere in your RV isn’t the morning of your excursion up the coast. Take a few test drives just to get a feel for the road. You’ll get the hang of driving an RV soon enough and so will all your passengers.

Ready to engage in a bit of RVing this year? Enjoy the freedom of the open road like a pro. Nothing’s better than making memories that will last long after summer ends.

Posted in: Auto Accidents, Personal Injury Tagged: Accident Prevention, Driver Safety Tips, Personal Injury, RV Safety, Safety Tips

Are Social Media Apps Responsible for the Actions of Drivers Using Them?

May 2, 2017 by Greg Owen

Checking your smartphone while driving is tough to resist for many people. Whether it’s to read the latest Twitter feed, see who “liked” a Facebook post or take a photo to share on Snapchat or Instagram, people check their phones constantly. Numerous studies conducted about cell phone usage while driving has shown that it causes distractions and often leads to accidents. And in some states, including California, all hands-on use of cell phones is against the law. California’s new restrictions on cell phone usage took effect in January of this year. [Read more…]

Posted in: Article, Auto Accidents, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents, Case Studies, Motorcycle Accidents Tagged: Accident Prevention, Auto Accident Prevention Tips, Auto Accidents, Auto Safety Tips, Distracted Driving, Driver Safety Tips, Personal Injury Lawyer

How New Technology in Vehicles can be Distracting

October 20, 2014 by Greg Owen

Most new cars have quite a bit of technology built into the vehicle.  Some of it is for safety, while other technology is for convenience of the driver and passengers.  Although most of this new technology is designed to allow the driver to focus on the road and not have to worry about dialing a phone or looking at a map, it can still cause quite a bit of distraction.  In 2012 alone, 3,328 people were killed in distracted driving crashes.

los angeles personal injury attorney, distracting technology in cars

Bumper Sensors

Many cars have sensors on the front and rear bumpers to alert you if there is something close to your vehicle.  This can be helpful when you are parking, backing out of a driveway or quickly approaching an unexpected object, person or vehicle.  However, when a sensor goes off, the drivers first reaction is to identify which sensor is being activated.  By doing this, it takes the drivers eyes or attention off the road, creating a distraction.  If one of your sensors is activated, be sure to note the sensor, but don’t let it distract you from the action you are taking.  When in doubt, stop and assess the situation before proceeding.  [Read more…]

Posted in: Auto Accidents Tagged: Auto Accidents, Distracted Driving, Driver Safety Tips

Preparing Your Home And Car For Colder Weather

September 1, 2014 by Greg Owen

With the end of summer upon us, it’s time to look forward to fall and winter. As your family prepares for a busy holiday season and closing out the year, your home and car shouldn’t be neglected. Keeping both healthy and prepared for the colder months is important for your overall safety.

teen-driver

[Read more…]

Posted in: Auto Accidents, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Tagged: Auto Accidents, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Driver Safety Tips

How to Teach your Teen to be a Safe, Responsible Driver

February 3, 2014 by Greg Owen

You’ve held their hands, taught them their ABC’s and watched them grow into young adults. Now it’s time to take the next steps in caring for your teens – teaching them to be safe, responsible drivers. Driving lessons, professional instructors and safety courses are a great start. Today’s high-tech world, however, brings with it challenges and distractions that past generations didn’t have to deal with. [Read more…]

Posted in: Auto Accidents Tagged: Auto Accidents, Distracted Driving, Driver Safety Tips, Teen Drivers

Safety Tips for the Winter Season

January 6, 2014 by Greg Owen

While you can’t change the weather, you can minimize some of winter’s biggest threats to your safety and security. At home, at work or on the road, be mindful and plan ahead for the curves that this season can throw. Staying alert and preparing properly for the season will help to ensure your holidays remain happy. [Read more…]

Posted in: Auto Accidents, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Motorcycle Accidents, Truck Accidents Tagged: Auto Accidents, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Driver Safety Tips, Motorcycle Accidents, Severe Weather, Truck Accidents

Tips on Sharing the Road with Motorcyclists and Bicyclists

December 2, 2013 by Greg Owen

The desire for more efficient, environmentally-friendly transportation, combined with the siren call of the open road means that we are seeing more motorcycles and bicycles on the road than ever. On average, there are more than 40 million bicyclists on the road in the United States, and even more motorcycles, making up 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States according to the National Traffic Safety Administration. [Read more…]

Posted in: Auto Accidents, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents Tagged: Auto Accidents, Bicycle & Pedestrian Accidents, Bike Safety, Driver Safety Tips, Motorcycle Accidents, Motorcycle Safety

Nodding Off? How to Beat Driver Fatigue

October 7, 2013 by Greg Owen

Driver fatigue is a serious problem resulting in many thousands of road accidents each year. Today’s fast-paced, 24-hour world with social media addictions and technology distraction all lead to sleep deprivation which, in turn, affects our performance on the road. Research shows that driver fatigue may be a factor in up to 20% of road accidents, and up to 25% of fatal and serious accidents. [Read more…]

Posted in: Auto Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Truck Accidents Tagged: Auto Accidents, Driver Fatigue, Driver Safety Tips, Motorcycle Accidents, Truck Accidents

23822 W. VALENCIA BLVD #303 | VALENCIA, CA 91355 | (661) 799-3899

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The law firm of Owen Patterson & Owen serves people throughout the United States. Locally, the firm serves people in Valencia and throughout Southern California, including Santa Clarita, Newhall, Gorman, Simi Valley, Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura, Calabasas, Northridge, Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Encino, San Fernando, Bakersfield, Palmdale, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Malibu, Victorville, Barstow, Baker, California City, Canyon Country, Apple Valley, Palm Springs, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, El Monte, Pomona, Santa Barbara and all cities within Los Angeles County, Kern County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, as well as the areas known as Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley, High Desert, Southern California, Grapevine and the Inland Empire.

Owen, Patterson & Owen, LLP is a limited liability partnership comprised of Susan A. Owen, APLC, Richard A. Patterson, APLC and Gregory James Owen, PLC. As used in this Website Owen, Patterson & Owen, LLP is referred to as Owen, Patterson & Owen.

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