Maine Good Sam RV Club Home Page Maine Good Sam 2010 Fall Samboree Highlights and Application Forms
The Red, White, and Blue
Hullabaloo
'One / Two Punch for YOUR Safety!'
Punch #1
Let's start with a Seminar by Mr. Dick Coderre -
Don’t Force Legislation on Common Sense!
By Martin Qualey / Maine Good Sam Public Relations
Former NH State Director and retired professional
truck driver, Dick Coderre, will be offering travel safety information talks at
our upcoming 2010 Fall Maine Good Sam ‘Samboree’.
‘I am not only concerned about my fellow Good Sam ‘family members’ being safe as they travel, but I’m certain there will be a day regulations will be imposed unless we demonstrate the same responsibility behind the wheel that commercial vehicle operators (truckers) are mandated to observe’ , said Dick while we were recently traveling together.
It is hoped that as many as possible will attend the seminars Mr. Coderre is preparing to address some frequently overlooked traveling issues such as:
Keeping a Travel Log – Not only is it a good idea to record starting and end mileages to be aware how well the engine is doing, but jotting down start and stop times of the journey (including breaks!) will shed a lot of light on the most important component of the vehicle, the driver! During and after the journey, reflect on how many hours were spent behind the wheel in a day. Driver fatigue is responsible for more accidents than mechanical defects! Failing to adhere to strict time guidelines will result in loss of driving rights (and income!) for a professional driver.
Inspect Before Legally Required – Most states require an annual safety inspection. However, in the ‘wink of an eye’, a component on your rig can fail with catastrophic consequences. Not only does, what is referred to as a ‘circle check’, help with early detection of a rig’s problem, it is a great way to stretch tired muscles, and enhances the benefits of the rest break to keep you alert.
Every time your rig is serviced, or if you suspect a problem, kindly ask your mechanic to point out ANYTHING that needs attention and get it fixed! YOU are too valuable to us to loose!
Putting Safety Before Pride – Often the first time someone purchases an RV, their only driving experience has been with a regular size passenger vehicle. The dynamics of larger RV’s demands an awareness of the effects of additional size and weight. Turning and stopping requires additional attention. Also, the very first time behind the wheel, it’s a great idea to have an experienced co-pilot to point out our skill deficiencies. Wow! What a pill to swallow! But, just like any medication, the result will be improved highway health.
The Healthy Driver – Compared to the professional driver, the RV motorist is not required to take a regular health exam to reduce the likelihood an underlying health issue that could present itself while behind the wheel. Keep fit, and adjust the duration of YOUR driving times to coincide with YOUR fatigue threshold!
The next one is a must!! ASK YOUR DOCTOR and PHARMASIST if ANY of your medications could possibly impair driving! Maybe it would be wise, if they do, to have your spouse take the wheel while you are taking them. Besides, as a passenger, you’ll be able to view more scenery!
Plus many more topics will be addressed!
Dick’s seminar will be informative and fun while ‘driving’ home some great common sense!
See you at the Samboree, Sept 10-11-12!
Punch #2
Let's Get You Behind the Wheel!
Whether your a Rookie or a Season RVer, there's always something to learn!
Trafford's RV of Conway, NH (just a few miles from the Fryeburg Fairgrounds) is a long time friend of Maine Good Sam and has generously offered to provide an opportunity for you to get behind the wheel and have members of their staff 'ride shotgun' as you practice some maneuvers under their guidance.
They're even going to get Maine State Director, Diane Qualey comfortable with 'backing up' all by herself! Now that's courage!
They will
take you all the way from hooking up (tag along and 5th wheel) complete with a
pre-flight safety check list and doing a rig water and electrical hook up at 'a
campsite'!
Ah, we bet you're thinking 'But, they won't go to the dumping station!'. Wrong! That's included too. Dumping station hygiene IS important!
This is being scheduled for Friday, Sept 10th from 1 -5 p.m.. Send us an email to mainegoodsams@roadrunner.com to let us know you want to participate!
Darlene at Trafford's will try to accommodate as many folks as possible!