WV Farm Bureau Magazine July 2013 | Page 7

of the repair garage.” trip as successful as possible. Improper packing that leads to uneven loads can have harmful effects including restricted braking, blowouts and even breakdowns. It is extremely important that drivers be aware of their surroundings and familiar with the vehicle’s size when maneuvering in close quarters. Size includes height too. One of every 10 claims being filed is for roof damage caused by drivers miscalculating their RV’s height. Here are a few more tips to ensure your trip is troublefree: Check the RV’s tire pressure and wear prior to departure, as well as occasionally during the trip Be sure to pack the vehicle so that weight is distributed evenly Give the RV the space it needs for braking and turning, especially around other vehicles. RVs need about 20 percent more distance to stop than the average car. For braking, allow a three-second distance between your RV and another vehicle Be conscious of the RV’s clearance in terms of height, length and width. Crowded areas can be tricky to travel through with a large vehicle like an RV. One in seven claims occurred in areas such as gas stations where it can be hard for the driver to see other vehicles, awnings, poles and other hazards. To prevent these issues, the solution may be as simple as verifying the height of your RV and adjusting your trip accordingly or leaving behind unnecessary and heavy FarmBill_AgSupport_infograph_5.25x4.pdf luggage that may weigh down the vehicle to make your Whether you rent or own an RV, be safe on your summer trips! 1 Contact your local Nationwide agent, call 11:00 AM 1-877-OnYourSide, or visit nationwide.com/WVFB. 4/10/13 How Countries Around the World Help Farmers Manage Their Risks U.S. FARMERS receive C M Y CM MY 53% 52% a higher percentage of their gross farm income from the MARKETPLACE, rather than from government supports. CY CMY 18% K Korea Japan 14% 8% European Canada U.S. Union Government Support Estimates as a percentage of gross farm income. AFBF infographic West Virginia Farm Bureau News 7