Dan
Lots of good advice above.
Keep in mind of the millions of RVs on the road you are reading about accidents for just a small fraction of RV'ers. The majority of RV'ers don't have major accidents maybe a few fender benders. The only trouble I've ever had was due to idiot drivers. Nothing major, no one hurt very little damage. Two accidents in over 40 years of towing an RV the other drivers fault both times.
The key tips are
to be alert,
watch out for the other guy,
slow down,
leave plenty of room not just from the vehicle in front, but also on at least one side of you
make sure your tow vehicle has more than enough capacity for the camper you choose
proper and preventative maintenance
check the tire pressures often (add a TPM system for all tires)
practice- take your RV out to a big empty parking lot or field and practice panic stops, avoidance maneuvers, parking in tight spots, maneuvering through tight roads (use cones or boxes to lay out a route)
pay attention to height- bridges, trees or other obstacles
take an RV driving class or purchase a DVD and watch it
