As if moving your home on wheels isn’t stressful enough on driving day, watching out for other drivers, low clearance bridges, and other road obstacles just adds to the stress. But, when you are driving and only 20 miles from your destination and a driver hits your RV, and then fails to pull over, the day just gets worse.

I left my last campground just after 11 am, getting the car hooked up, and stopping for lunch on the way just taking my time. It was supposed to be a short travel day for a quick week and a half stay before heading to my family for the holidays. But, after hearing a loud bang and hearing the chirping on my dashboard I find a red pickup truck in my mirror, in the side of my RV. I knew immediately I had been hit. This can’t be happening! It’s only been three months since I bought this new to me RV. I’m sad.

I slow down of course, put my hazards on, and begin to move to the emergency lane on the right side. I look up only to see the red pick up truck not getting over, and instead speeding up in the left lane and keep on driving. My only thoughts were to flash the lights and safely pull over. I was a bit afraid of losing control or that the tires had been impacted and that I would lose control and flip over. I finally pull to a safe stop and get out, only to see another vehicle pulling over about a quarter mile in front of me. An angel runs towards me asking if I’m OK. After a few moments, she explains she was able to get a photo and the license plate. Also, this driver had been swerving the last several miles and finally was fine for the last mile until he finally swerved over into the right lane and hit me.

Ugh! At least I had a witness at this point. And, with an almost dead phone, she agreed to call the police for me, and also gave a statement. AWESOME and a life saver! Fast forward, the police get there, and they weren’t immediately able to find the driver, but the tag and picture was just what they needed.

Now, had I not have had that witness, it would be a much different story for me. I’m forever grateful for this person, and being there for me to help. Turns out the police were finally able to track down the driver, and after a handful of lies, he finally was able to admit to fault.

Lessons Learned

The most important part is to have a witness or a photo.  Had I not have had a witness, I would likely have been on my own for repairs.  But, thankfully having a witness saved me incredibly.  I have since ordered a new Dashcam for the RV (I had one in the old RV, never needed it, and didn’t want to rip it off the windshield and move – bad idea!).  I pick that up this weekend, and will promptly test it out to ensure it works as I intend, and that it is able to make out license plates.

Now is a great time to review insurance coverage you may have, and go over any scenarios you may be wondering about how they will be covered.  Especially full time living in a RV has it’s own challenges – where will I live when my house is in for repairs, what will I drive when my car is being repainted, what will I have if my RV is a total loss, etc.  Think about it now, before it’s too late.

Last but not least – be safe out there – always be aware of your surroundings, drive the speed in which you are comfortable and within legal limits to do so (remember some states have a minimum speed limit) and above all, take as many breaks as you need, the beauty of a RV is you can stop almost anywhere and rest – there is no sense in pushing it to get somewhere quicker.  You never know who may hit you and run.

Tyler

A full time IT professional traveling the country by RV.

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