Have you ever had to make an emergency stop, if so, how did it turn out? I ask because we did while traveling in Central Oregon, on our way to Palisades State Park. We were on a narrow 2 lane road, and up ahead, was a large quickly mart. The Suburban ahead of us pulled over. The speed limit was 40 mph, so I figured there could be foot traffic, or cars pulling onto the road, so I let off and was coasting. The driver got out and walked to the front of the car, when I see 2 children getting out of their side and starting around the front. I nailed the brakes, we were doing near 30 when I did this, and we stopped right now, dead bang. When we stopped, the passenger side window was even with the woman and the kids. She had extended both arms to stop the kids, and I watched them stack up on her. The kids had a surprised look on their faces until they looked past her and started looking up. We could hear things sliding around in the MH, and the seat belt hit me like a sledge. I sat there for about 10 seconds soaking in what had just happened. I was never so thankful for the mother;s for though about the kids not looking, but running for the store. When we got the the state park and set-up, we were opening the cabinets and the medicine cabinet, things were falling out, all moved the front of the compartments. But you know what, that really did not bother us compared to what could have happened. At 30, we were traveling about 44 feet per second. We stopped about 2 feet past the front of their car, now I don;t believe I'm the still that fast, so my mind must have confused what was happening, but still got the desired result.

Thankfully all went good. Just another reminder to be aware of all your surroundings when driving, especially in a motorhome that will take a bit more distance to stop completely. Some people driving their cars don't realize how different a big truck or rv is when it comes to stopping or manoeuvring.

Last Aug. I was diving down on RT 95 in Mane, as most of the time in the right lane 62 MPH with a lot of space in front, then some guy comes from the three lanes over in front of me and slams on the breaks, I had all I could do to stop, thought for sure it was going to be a hit, came very near, only that I drive in Tow Haul, I don't think I could have mad a stop. A little while later He goes pissing by me. I now have a dash camera on al the time, for sure if I hit him in his mine it would be my fault.

Add one vote for the dash cam.Our dash cam was installed all of a grand 20 minutes as we left for our first long road trip. 7 blocks away from the house, on an early Sunday morning a guy driving an old chevy PU decided he needed to make a sharp left right in front of us - so he could make the driveway to the 24 hour drug store. He must have missed our front bumper by an inch. He took out a good sized boulder next to the driveway.We slammed on the brakes. Everything went flying including the dogs. We pulled over and set our stuff back in place while we shook off the nerves. Rest of the trip was well enjoyed once we got the trauma out of the way.

My antilock brake test happened this past summer. Our kitchen is L shaped with most of the storage and drawers facing forward. The overhead cabinet emptied. Had a bottle of Olive Oil bounce off the dash along with a bunch of other stuff.

We were traveling south in a two lane road in PA. The driver of a northbound van had a medical incident. His van crossed the centerline directly in our path.Our 37' Southwind doesn't stop on a dime but, I tried. Fortunately the van continued off the road to my right and broke off a utility pole.Unfortunately, the broken top part of the pole that swung out from the impact was now swinging toward the side of the Southwind. I accelerated and the pole just missed the back of the motorhome.I was very lucky avoiding a head on collision and a swinging utility pole.We picked up our stuff on the floor and continued on our trip to the shore with no problems.

Emergency Stop | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

Tom_Barb
Explorer
Nov 17, 2015
Ivylog wrote:
We keep as many things as possible in plastic containers now.

Yeah that !!
Our draws and cabinets try to close during panic stops.
and yes I've stomped the airbrakes twice, no big deal to expound upon, cars on the freeway cutting us off way too short.
jfkmk
Explorer
Nov 17, 2015
We were returning from a trip towing our TT. We were in the slow lane, which was closed up ahead because of an accident. Turned on my signal to move over, saw an opening and accelerated. When the idiot in front of me in the middle lane came abreast of the accident, he slammed on his brakes coming to a complete stop to look at the accident. I hit my brakes but there was no way I was going to stop. Fortunately, the fast lane was empty and I didn't lose control making an emergency maneuver towing a trailer.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Nov 17, 2015
Guess I've been fairly lucky as only one close one comes to mind. Divided four lane with a few stop lights... 45 mph speed limit. Light turns yellow with car in front of me in left lane and several cars in right lane. Looks like we both will legally make it through the light on the yellow and for a couple seconds the car does nothing and then a panic stop. Not sure if I'd gotten it stopped without using the left turn lane as I ended up next to her. She had no idea what had happened and most of the stuff stayed off the floor. Cars in right lane went through the light. Guy in left turn lane opposite direction gave me a thumbs up when he made his turn.

Another time I did not have to come to a complete stop when the glass jar of honey broke on the tile floor... do not remember the details other than what a mess. We keep as many things as possible in plastic containers now.
gbopp
Explorer
Nov 17, 2015
We were traveling south in a two lane road in PA. The driver of a northbound van had a medical incident. His van crossed the centerline directly in our path.
Our 37' Southwind doesn't stop on a dime but, I tried. Fortunately the van continued off the road to my right and broke off a utility pole.

Unfortunately, the broken top part of the pole that swung out from the impact was now swinging toward the side of the Southwind.
I accelerated and the pole just missed the back of the motorhome.

I was very lucky avoiding a head on collision and a swinging utility pole.

We picked up our stuff on the floor and continued on our trip to the shore with no problems.
Dale_Traveling
Explorer II
Nov 17, 2015
My antilock brake test happened this past summer. Our kitchen is L shaped with most of the storage and drawers facing forward. The overhead cabinet emptied. Had a bottle of Olive Oil bounce off the dash along with a bunch of other stuff.
Houston_Remodel
Explorer
Nov 17, 2015
Add one vote for the dash cam.

Our dash cam was installed all of a grand 20 minutes as we left for our first long road trip. 7 blocks away from the house, on an early Sunday morning a guy driving an old chevy PU decided he needed to make a sharp left right in front of us - so he could make the driveway to the 24 hour drug store. He must have missed our front bumper by an inch. He took out a good sized boulder next to the driveway.

We slammed on the brakes. Everything went flying including the dogs. We pulled over and set our stuff back in place while we shook off the nerves.

Rest of the trip was well enjoyed once we got the trauma out of the way.
MR_MAC
Explorer
Nov 17, 2015
Last Aug. I was diving down on RT 95 in Mane, as most of the time in the right lane 62 MPH with a lot of space in front, then some guy comes from the three lanes over in front of me and slams on the breaks, I had all I could do to stop, thought for sure it was going to be a hit, came very near, only that I drive in Tow Haul, I don't think I could have mad a stop. A little while later He goes pissing by me. I now have a dash camera on al the time, for sure if I hit him in his mine it would be my fault.
Ava
Explorer
Nov 16, 2015
Thankfully all went good. Just another reminder to be aware of all your surroundings when driving, especially in a motorhome that will take a bit more distance to stop completely. Some people driving their cars don't realize how different a big truck or rv is when it comes to stopping or manoeuvring.

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Emergency Stop

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