Can an RV's Size and Weight Can Influence Collision Results?
A vehicle’s size and weight are contributing factors when a collision occurs. This is especially true regarding safety and the harm that may result from a crash.
Recreational vehicles are grouped in different categories depending on the size and weight of the vehicle since there is significant variability regarding the construction of RVs. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ("IIHS") has reported that being in a longer vehicle allows the crash force to be reduced on the vehicle, therefore reducing injury to the occupants of the vehicle involved. Moreover, a bigger vehicle has the advantage in a frontal crash with a smaller vehicle. Further, frontal crashes account for half of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in the country. IIHS further reports that a bigger vehicle will have less force on its occupants when crashing because the weight will push the other vehicle backward during the impact.
With the foregoing in mind, it is easy to conclude that RVs present some safety advantages to occupants when compared to standard sized vehicles. As safety is the primary concern of all families that are planning a road trip, it is not surprising that many consider an RV to be an excellent option for travel.