Survey Shows Many RVers Lack Driving and Safety Fundamentals

ST. LOUIS, Mo., Aug. 11, 2004 -- With 7.2 million RVers on the road today(1), RVing is among the fastest growing leisure activities in America, but many owners at the wheel of these oversized vehicles aren't comfortable or aren't familiar with many of the basic road rules associated with driving large vehicles, according to a survey by GMAC Insurance.

The survey of 2,500 Americans gauged RV owner fluency with vehicle operation, safety issues and driving acumen, including a series of questions derived from various states Department of Motor Vehicles drivers tests or both standard and oversized vehicle tests. The survey also probed participants on their RV plans in the next 12 months and their comfort levels on operating and maintaining their vehicles.

Basic Rules of the Road: Are RVers Passing the Test?

On average, 33% of RVers failed to correctly answer questions derived from standard drivers tests. Nearly half (44%) answered a series of questions derived from the oversized vehicle driver's license test questions incorrectly. Of particular note:

  * Driving conditions: Half of RVers (52%) incorrectly stated that roads
    are most slippery during heavy rain.   While roads are slippery during
    a heavy storm, they are most slippery at the beginning of a storm,
    especially after a dry spell . an important distinction when operating
    an oversized vehicle.  In addition, 50% indicated that they were not
    comfortable driving in rain or inclement conditions.
  * Safe passing: One-in-three surveyed (35.3%) incorrectly stated that when
    passing an oversized vehicle, "it is best to pass slowly on the left."
    The correct answer is "it best to pass quickly on the left."
  * Tire safety: One-in-ten RVers (10.9%) incorrectly indicated one "should
    let air out of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal."
    According to GMAC Insurance, the most common RV insurance claims are
    attributed to tire-related accidents.
  * Cornering: One-in-three (36%) surveyed indicated they were not very
    comfortable turning corners.  Compared to an automobile, RV drivers
    must compensate for the extra height and length when cornering.

Furthermore, respondents indicated levels of discomfort with basic RV operations:

  * Backing up/parking: One-in-four (27.5%) are not comfortable with backing
    up or parking.
  * Driving in crowded areas: 31% of those surveyed are uncomfortable
    driving in urban areas, yet 12% (equivalent to 840,000 RVers) say they
    plan to use their RVs to attend sporting events this year, presumably
    requiring RVers to drive in crowded locations.
  * Vehicle height: One of the most common RV accidents involves striking
    overhangs, bridges and other overhead obstructions.  One-in-four
    surveyed (24%) revealed they are not comfortable negotiating low-
    hanging obstructions.
  * Propane safety: 64% of those surveyed are not "extremely" comfortable
    with propane tank operation and care.  Correct propane tank operation
    and care are critical check points in safe RVing, as leaks in the
    system can create a dangerous situation.  Propane tanks that are left
    on while traveling or refueling pose a fire hazard.  What's more
    disconcerting is the painting of propane tanks a common practice by
    sports fans in an effort to match home-town colors.  Dark colors more
    readily absorb the sun's rays and may cause the tank to overheat and
    explode.

The survey shows that there are literally millions of RVers on the road that could stand to brush up on their fundamentals," said Wade Bontrager, vice president of GMAC Insurance RV division, America's No. 1 RV Insurance Specialist. "We're working to help arm RVers with pertinent safety information found in our 10 Essentials to Safe RVing, and through grassroots safety rally programs to ensure smooth travels for RVers."

The survey also revealed areas where RVers are very comfortable and proficient at operating and driving RVs.

  * Highway driving: 85% of those surveyed are "extremely" comfortable
    driving on the freeway.
  * Good conscience: 70% of those surveyed agree that the right thing to do
    if you hit a parked car is to leave a note.
  * Big rig distancing: 90% of those surveyed indicated you need to leave
    more than two seconds between you and the vehicle ahead.  Three-in-five
    incorrectly disagreed that if you are being tailgated you should signal
    to the driver when it is safe to pass you.  And 68% of those surveyed
    were right in saying that you do not need to wait for a signal from
    another driver when you want to overtake and pass another vehicle.
  * Trip preparation: Four-in-five (80%) of those surveyed said they are
    extremely comfortable conducting pre-travel safety checks.  This
    includes system checks such as retracting awnings and doors, tow bar
    and brakes.

  For RVers on the Go: the Next 12 Months

Today there are approximately 7.2 million RVs on the nation's roads, and RV ownership has reached record levels, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Nearly one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now owns an RV, a 38% gain from 1980 to 2001.(2) Indeed, more RVs are now owned by Baby Boomers (35 to 54-year-olds) than any other group, according to the association.(3)

According to the GMAC Insurance RVers have big plans in the next 12 months:

  * Increase in travel: 23% of RVers will increase RV travel this year.
  * Weekend warriors: 53% of those surveyed plan to use their RVs for
    weekend trips.
  * National sites: 32% of those surveyed plan to visit national parks,
    monuments and historic sites.
  * Sporting events: 12% of those surveyed will use their RVs to attend
   sporting events.

  RVing also seems to appeal to the independent spirit among those surveyed:
  * Choices: 75% of respondents said RVing "gives me an alternative way to
    enjoy the country."
  * Autonomy: 59% said they like RVing "because it's 'travel on my terms'."
  * Touring the homeland: 70% said they RV "to see the country."

  The 10 Essentials to Safe RVing

GMAC Insurance is embarking on a year long national campaign on RV safety. In addition, GMAC Insurance in partnership with Good Sam, the legendary 38- year-old RV club, is hosting RV Safety Rallies at various "Good Sam Samborees," national RV events that include camping and entertainment. Samborees are held at major events including the Rose Parade, Kentucky Derby, Calgary Stampede, NASCAR races and more. For listings call 1-800-829-5140, or visit http://www.goodsamclub.com/tours for information.

GMAC Insurance is one of the largest automobile insurers in the United States and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), which operates 100 offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin American and Asia. GMAC Insurance Personal Lines offers automobile, RV, motorcycle and specialty vehicle insurance, as well as homeowners insurance, to consumers through a number of distribution channels, including independent agents, affinity groups and the Internet (http://www.gmacinsurance.com/). With a nationwide network of claims professionals, local independent agents and a 24-hour, toll-free claims hotline available 365 days a year, GMAC Insurance provides superior claims service for its customers.

(1),(2),(3) Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) 2001