Forum Discussion

kcmoedoe's avatar
kcmoedoe
Explorer
Jul 17, 2014

Tragedy involving RV, probably caused by RV.

The newspaper article is not yet online, but according to the Livingston, Montana Enterprise's Thursday edition, the driver of a Class C RV was killed on highway 89 several miles north of Yellowstone National Park. The driver was struck by a piece of an equalizer hitch, likely from another RV, that penetrated the windshield and striking and killing the driver. The highway patrol went on to say it was doubtful the piece was laying on the highway, since that would have made it highly unlikely that it would be able to enter the windshield. This would mean it fell off of an RV traveling that section of highway (likely southbound towards Yellowstone, around 9 AM on 7/15/2014. The highway patrol is investigating the incident and an autopsy is pending.
****personal comment***** There is a reason for the safety pins on those hitch components. It is likely that someone either didn't want to take the 30 seconds to install them, didn't think it was that big a deal so it slipped their mind, or didn't want to pay the $5.00 to replace a lost one and now someone is dead. Pay attention to what you are doing. And if you know someone who lost a part of their hitch in that location, please do the right thing and contact the authorities.
  • That is so sad. Any reason for the loss of life is tragic, knowing somebody was inadvertantly at fault makes it tragic for that person as well.

    My 14 year old will be driving soon. Lately, I have been more intently teaching him the rules of the road. He asked how long until he could help me drive with the TT behind us. I made it clear, this is a dangerous undertaking. Not only is the driver responsible for the TV and TT, they are responsible for all other occupants, and their cargo. We discussed how this is a 12,000# 42' long projectile.