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Should RVs Follow Same Weight Standards as Commercial Trucks and Buses?
It does not appear that truck and RV sales staff are inclined to play "policeman" or even "educator" by accepting some responsibility for assuring the safe use of their products. Perhaps it is time to call on the individuals and agencies that do have official responsibility for highway safety -- the various state departments of transportation and public safety -- and give them the legislative and regulatory authority to begin an incremental education and enforcement campaign. What I am suggesting is that a few key states -- Arizona, California, Colorado, and Texas might be good for starters -- implement a phased program to at first encourage and finally, over time, require that all RVs meet safe weight standards just as commercial trucks and buses must do now. For example, a one-year "education" phase could begin with the random weighing of RVs at highway weigh stations and providing notices and educational materials to drivers whose vehicles or combinations exceed their weight ratings (either GVWR or GCWR). During the second year, "warning citations" could be issued to drivers of overloaded vehicles or combinations. To soften the impact of these warnings, there would be no fines or penalties, except for grossly overloaded vehicles. However, the citation would be posted to the driver's license record and notice could be sent to insurers. The "enforcement" phase would begin in the third year with fines for overloaded vehicles and the possibility of immediate removal from the road until the overloading situation is corrected. I realize that adoption of such a proposal would be difficult in any state and especially so in one that is heavily dependent on tourist and RV traffic. However, I believe that posting such violations to drivers' license records and notice to insurance companies would provide some leverage. If a driver has a record of operating an overloaded vehicle, insurers may be reluctant to renew or may increase the premium to offset the increased risk of accidents and losses. As for first phase "educational" materials, it might be helpful for weigh station staff to provide drivers with a simple worksheet that shows the total weight of the vehicle or combination and the weight on each axle as compared to the GVWR and GCWR for their vehicle or combination. Even with such an incremental, phased program, there are two preventive actions that could be instituted immediately. 1) In any case where a car or truck is being towed behind a motor home (regardless of whether it is towed four-down or on a dolly or trailer) and the weight limit of the motor home is exceeded, the towed vehicle should be immediately removed from the motor home, and 2) In any case where a car or truck is being towed and does not have adequate independent brakes in relation to its weight, the towed vehicle should be immediately removed from the motor home. I believe British Columbia has a weight standard for towed vehicles requiring independent brakes that could provide a guideline for similar applications in the United States. I would also suggest that RV drivers be required to have the category of license (A, B, or C) that is related to the weight of their vehicle or combination and that they must take the required driving test in that vehicle or a similar vehicle. I am NOT suggesting that RVs be required to have a commercial license, only the appropriate license for their weight category. If motorcycle operators have to have a separate test and endorsement on their driver's license, it would seem sensible to apply the same logic to RV drivers. Karl Shaner, DrPH, Texas |
RV Reporter is a publication of RV Consumer Group. © 2001 RV ConsumerGroup.