Bosch Proving Grounds Site for RV Safe Driving Program; RV Driving - Different, Not Difficult

NEW CARLISLE, Ind., May 13, 2004 -- The Good Sam VIP RV Safety Rally is a three-day RV Safety program designed to enhance RVers knowledge and experience behind the wheel of an RV. RVers with all levels of experience are participating in this program, from first timers to seasoned veterans.

This year's event is being held at the Bosch Automotive Proving Grounds. The Bosch Automotive Proving Grounds (BAPG) operates as an independent vehicle testing and development service supplier to all vehicle and component manufacturers. BAPG is located on 675 acres in New Carlisle, Indiana (90 miles east of the Chicago, Illinois area).

BAPG serves a wide variety of customers involved as manufacturers and component suppliers in the passenger car, light truck, heavy truck, trailer, military vehicle, recreational vehicle, motorcoach and transit bus industries.

Although a special license is not needed to drive or tow the vast majority of RVs, this program has been sold out for months because of its total approach to RVing and the overall attention to the differences in driving an RV: vehicle size, height, weight and more.

A few generations ago, most Americans took only one weeklong vacation a year. Today, people yearn to get away on shorter trips more often -- and at all times of the year.

An RV makes that possible, allowing you to strike out on the road whenever you want and go nearly anywhere you want. With so many destinations, events and adventures -- and models ranging from van campers to fifth-wheel travel trailers -- from which to choose, RV travelers are always on the move, making memories every mile of the way.

If you're an experienced car driver, you already have the skills necessary to drive a motorized RV. The automatic transmission, power brakes and steering you're accustomed to are standard features on most RVs.

"Just as with any skill, it is good to test them with a qualified teacher," said Kathy Wenzel, Good Sam VIP Safety Rally organizer. "This Rally is a good place to do that both in the classroom and on the road."

"There are many things we all take for granted when we get behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle," said Wenzel. "Consumers spend several hours a week driving and most don't take any type of refresher or training course once they have their license. We're pleased to see the terrific response we get to our RV Safe Driving Programs. It tells us that drivers want to be as safe as they can with their RVs."

"Some of what we teach seems like common sense," said Wenzel. "But you would be surprised at how many drivers forget to do the most simple things."

"You do not need a special license to drive or tow the vast majority of RVs," continued Wenzel. "GoRVing.com, the RV industry's consumer website, has several tips for driving an RV. This is a good resource for the American RV traveler."

   Whether you drive a motorized RV or tow an RV, you should always:
   *  Before leaving, sit in the driver's seat and adjust all mirrors for
      optimal road views.
   *  Account for your vehicle size when turning.  The front and rear wheels
      will track paths much farther apart than those of a car.
   *  Allow more time to brake, change lanes, and merge onto a busy highway
      because big vehicles take more time to accelerate and slow down than
      small ones.

Drivers towing a folding camping trailer, travel trailer or fifth wheel travel trailer also should:

   *  Match the proper tow vehicle to your RV.  Most full and mid-size
      family cars can pull a trailer; so can today's popular vans, SUVs, and
      light-duty trucks.  Check maximum weight it can pull.
   *  Use the right trailer hitch, and make sure it is hitched correctly.
   *  Connect brakes and signal lights.  Make sure that the trailer's
      brakes, turn signals, and taillights are synchronized with the towing
      vehicle.
   *  Back up with care.  By placing your hand at the bottom of the steering
      wheel, the trailer will move in the direction you turn your hand.
      (For example, to move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the
      right.)  Once the trailer is moving in the proper direction, avoid any
      sharp movements of the steering wheel.
   *  It's also wise to have someone stand outside the vehicle to make sure
      the driver avoids any obstacles not seen in the mirrors.  If another
      person is not available, the driver should inspect the area behind the
      vehicle.  Doing so can prevent surprises and accidents.
   *  Whether you're driving a motorhome or a tow vehicle, make sure you and
      every passenger wears a seat belt.  According to the National Safety
      Belt Coalition, this is the single most effective thing you can do to
      prevent serious injury and death in a traffic accident.

The first two days of the course consists of four 4-hour class sections. Good Sam VIP Safety instructors who are highly skilled and trained teach the RV Safety Classroom Program. The classroom provides in-depth instruction and ample discussion time.

The RV Safety Review is a portion of the course that includes a free weigh-in of participants rig, classroom discussion of weight distribution, tire pressure, and other safety information specific to getting the rig ready for the road. Instructors teach this portion of the course from the Recreation Vehicle Safety Education Foundation (RVSEF).

The RV Hands on Driving Course is the most popular part of the course. The participants will spend time behind the wheel of an RV. Hart City RV from Elkhart, Indiana will be providing RVs and Good Sam VIP Safety Instructors and GM Safety Instructors teach this section of the course.

The Auto Hands on Driving Course has participants practice off-road recovery, skids, and turns in vehicles provided by GM. GM Safety Instructors teach this section of the course which extends training to everyday automobile scenarios. It creates a total driving experience for Rally participants.

The third day of the course will consist of safety related seminars. In addition participants will be given an opportunity to register for additional private RV Hands on Driving time.

"Everyone should take a course like this," said Pat Scarlett from Woodside, California, at last year's Rally. "It is awesome. Each instructor was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They encouraged questions while staying on course in order to cover all materials of their segment."

The Good Sam VIP RV Safety Rally is named for the money saving RV and auto insurance benefit designed for Good Sam members. The event is scheduled for May 15 through May 17, 2004. The Rally will be held at the Bosch Automotive Proving Grounds in New Carlisle, Indiana. The RV Safety Rally is sponsored by Good Sam VIP Insurance, the Good Sam Club, General Motors, the Recreation Vehicle Safety Education Foundation and Hart City RV.