Trip ruined by an 18 year old driver!

[StrmyWeather]

SteveSueMac: Thanks for the reply. I agree, there were quite a few people that expressed concern for the young man. I think even a few in direct response to the original post. That's why I tried not to generalize by qualifying my response with "Some". But point taken. Thanks.

I do agree that distracted driving is something that really needs to be addressed. It goes beyond just cell phone use. The interior components designed into the automobile now can be a very big distraction.

[Len n Jeanne]

Statistically young drivers have greater odds of causing an accident than middle agers, but our first trailer demise was the fault of an older (70s? I couldn't tell) woman making a very long road trip on her own, who claimed she fell asleep at the wheel. My sense was that Granny shouldn't have been driving on such a long trip on her own. In our accident, it was a miracle that she wasn't seriously injured or dead. I agree that sympathy for the "perpetrator" is always called for; and that if our own defensive driving can't avert an accident, at least start out with really good RV insurance. Because, you never know. And that insurance may just get you into your next AS.

[Skater]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

I know there is red & white reflective striping available at every truckstop, and I think there might be restrictions on how much can be put on a commercial tractor trailer. Are there any restrictions on RV's? I'd like to consider a tasteful stripe in white reflective tape around the edge of the belly pan.

My B190 stripe had a white strip that was reflective, stock from Airstream. It was pretty cool when I had it parked in our driveway because we'd come around the corner down the street and that stripe was the first thing we'd see. In this picture you can see it glowing, as I used the flash to illuminate the shaded side of the camper.

ArtStream - who hasn't been active lately - had some kind of blue lights installed under his trailer - and had them softly glowing when he was camped. Thinking about it, I've seen several rope lights that change color. Wouldn't that be an attention getter if hooked up to the edges of the belly pan and left on while towing? Anyone know if it would be illegal anywhere? I can't get out of Virginia Beach and NOT be on a busy interstate for at least 20 miles... I'd run with any lights legal or otherwise in that situation.

I'm pretty sure that's illegal in many states.

My feeling is that if you can't/don't see an Airstream in front of you, you probably shouldn't be driving. They're huge compared to cars and SUVs on the road, they have ample marker lighting, and they have a reflective surface. I'm just not sure how much more we can do, and we're not going to avoid every accident.

[r carl]

The US population has increased by 100 million since 1976, that alone changed more things than you can imagine.

[Tater]

Does the OP have an update on repairs to their repairs? Was it able to be repaired and where were they completed?

[IanPoulin]

Does the OP have an update on the condition and prognosis of the 18 year old?