Good Sam VIP RV Safety Preparing for Third Annual Event; Registration Sold Out Last December

VENTURA, Calif., April 19 -- 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. In addition, co-pilots will participate so that everyone using an RV can understand and be comfortable with RV driving and safety.

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.

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

"This was a super event and something I have always wanted to do," said 2003 participant Gene Heiman of Northridge, California. "I was able to do driving and breaking tests that I would never try on my own in my rig."

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' rigs, 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 private RV Hands on Driving time.

"Everyone should take a course like this prior to leaving the dealership," 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 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.