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Travel Safe, Secure and Savvy
Traveling in a RV is a great way to meet new people and see the sights. The
lifestyle reinforces friendliness with strangers and an overall community spirit.
In light of this, it may be easy to become relaxed about your personal safety
and the security of your belongings.
Because RV owners tend to carry valuable items, such as cameras, golf clubs
and video equipment, their vehicles can be attractive targets for thieves. Also,
for the experienced thief, a motorhome can be even easier to get into than a
car. Doors, windows, escape hatches and outside storage compartments represent
weak links in your vehicle's security armor. Often the locks on these are more
easily penetrated.
Parking Pointers
The first step toward protecting your vehicle is to park it in an area that is least likely to attract criminal activity. If you are in a store parking lot, be sure to choose a well-lit area, preferably with other vehicles nearby. The large size of your RV may make it tempting to park in a secluded area away from other vehicles, but remember that thieves like to work where no one can see them, so parking in a highly visible area will be a deterrent.
The first step toward protecting your vehicle is to park it in an area that is least likely to attract criminal activity. If you are in a store parking lot, be sure to choose a well-lit area, preferably with other vehicles nearby. The large size of your RV may make it tempting to park in a secluded area away from other vehicles, but remember that thieves like to work where no one can see them, so parking in a highly visible area will be a deterrent.
Avoid staying overnight in a rest area. While these stopovers make ideal locations
to rest and recharge, they are popular places for thievery. If you need to stop
at a rest area, either use your own bathroom without leaving the vehicle unattended
or, if traveling with a partner, take turns using the facilities so the RV is
never left alone. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings when walking to
the restrooms alone. If someone knocks on your door in a rest area, be very
careful before opening the door. Ask the person for verbal identification and
to hold ID up to the window so you can see it. To help combat crime in rest
areas, many states are now implementing security in the public rest areas with
police substations and/or security guards.
Campgrounds are usually the safest place to park overnight. However, don't get
too comfortable and not take the common-sense precautions that will protect
your belongings and your vehicle. Be sure to lock up bicycles, grills and tow
hitches. Don't assume that because the campground has security that your things
will be safe. Many times, the security only patrols at certain hours and even
then, it's best not to rely on them. There is no substitute for watching out
for your own things.
When parked, keep valuables inside your coach and out of view through windows
or doors. You don't want to give a thief a reason to break in. A small safe
can be an excellent purchase if you have valuables or cash that you want to
keep secure and out of view.
Pit Stops
While on the road, be careful where you stop for supplies or gas, especially at night. Two-thirds of all vehicle thefts occur at night. The most common places for car-jackings or robberies are at ATM machines, gas stations, fast-food drive-thrus, convenience stores and rest areas. Locations that are close to freeway on-ramps are the most attractive places for thieves. Check your surroundings before getting out of the coach or leaving it unattended. If there are people loitering or your RV seems to have attracted more attention than normal, the best course of action may be to leave and find another place to refuel or get cash. Whenever possible, make all your stops before nightfall.
While on the road, be careful where you stop for supplies or gas, especially at night. Two-thirds of all vehicle thefts occur at night. The most common places for car-jackings or robberies are at ATM machines, gas stations, fast-food drive-thrus, convenience stores and rest areas. Locations that are close to freeway on-ramps are the most attractive places for thieves. Check your surroundings before getting out of the coach or leaving it unattended. If there are people loitering or your RV seems to have attracted more attention than normal, the best course of action may be to leave and find another place to refuel or get cash. Whenever possible, make all your stops before nightfall.
Traveling Solo
When traveling alone there are a few extra precautions you should take. When you're inside your vehicle, keep the shades drawn tight. When you're away from your motorhome, never tell anyone where it's parked or that you're traveling alone. It's also a good safety policy to keep your things in specific places each time you leave the coach. If something is amiss when you return, you will know immediately and can exit to call for help. If nothing is out of place, it still is a good idea to do a quick check in the closets, bathrooms or any other possible hiding places to ensure no one is stowing away. A cell phone is your best defense when traveling alone.
When traveling alone there are a few extra precautions you should take. When you're inside your vehicle, keep the shades drawn tight. When you're away from your motorhome, never tell anyone where it's parked or that you're traveling alone. It's also a good safety policy to keep your things in specific places each time you leave the coach. If something is amiss when you return, you will know immediately and can exit to call for help. If nothing is out of place, it still is a good idea to do a quick check in the closets, bathrooms or any other possible hiding places to ensure no one is stowing away. A cell phone is your best defense when traveling alone.
Whether traveling alone or as a family, keep a home-support system. There should
be someone who has your travel itinerary and to whom you make scheduled phone
calls to let them know where you are and if there are any changes to your itinerary.
If something were to happen to you on the road, your home contacts would be
aware when they don't receive a scheduled phone call.
Roadside Precautions
Be wary of incidences that require you to pull off the road. Criminals have been known to fake accidents or pretend to be police officers to get you to pull to the side of the road. Anytime you feel it is not safe to pull over, drive slowly until you reach a well-lit area with some people around. Police cannot penalize you for protecting yourself. If you have a cell phone, you can call 911 to let the local police department know you are delaying pulling over.
Be wary of incidences that require you to pull off the road. Criminals have been known to fake accidents or pretend to be police officers to get you to pull to the side of the road. Anytime you feel it is not safe to pull over, drive slowly until you reach a well-lit area with some people around. Police cannot penalize you for protecting yourself. If you have a cell phone, you can call 911 to let the local police department know you are delaying pulling over.
If you experience engine failure or a flat tire, be very careful when pulling
off the road. Even if you are handy with mechanics, the close proximity of high-speed
vehicles makes the side of the road an unsafe place to make repairs. Most specialty
insurance companies offer free roadside assistance. If yours does, take advantage
of this coverage and use your cell phone to call for assistance. Be wary if
someone pulls over to help you fix your car or change your tire. Some criminals
prey on stranded motorists. The best course of action is to stay inside the
vehicle and call for help.
If the Worst Happens
If you do, unfortunately, become the victim of criminal activity, call the local police immediately. If you are in a campground when the crime happens, talk to your neighbors. They may have seen or heard something that could be a clue to help police locate the perpetrator. Aon Recreation Insurance and Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) offer a $2,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person who burglarized or stole the RV. You should also tell the campground managers, so they can warn other campers of a recent theft.
If you do, unfortunately, become the victim of criminal activity, call the local police immediately. If you are in a campground when the crime happens, talk to your neighbors. They may have seen or heard something that could be a clue to help police locate the perpetrator. Aon Recreation Insurance and Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) offer a $2,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person who burglarized or stole the RV. You should also tell the campground managers, so they can warn other campers of a recent theft.
If you are the victim of a RV-jacking, don't argue or fight with the perpetrator.
This type of crime has a high rate of violence. Your vehicle is not worth giving
up your life.
Common sense practices on the road will keep you safe in most instances. Trust
your instincts, be conscious of your surroundings and don't let too much caution
spoil your fun!