RESTON, Va., August 6, 2004 — PrLouisiana has become the first state to pass legislation authorizing special "RV Friendly" icons on state highway signs. The law is designed to help recreation vehicle (RV) travelers more easily locate establishments that cater to their needs.

The "RV friendly" markers – bright yellow circles with crescent smiles under the letters RV – could appear on Louisiana highways as early as this winter. Local businesses such as restaurants and gas stations will be able to place the "RV Friendly" markers under their "Gas-Food-Lodging" highway signs as long as they meet state requirements, including large parking spaces, entrances, exits and overhang clearances.

Louisiana State Representative M.J. "Mert" Smiley, a Republican who represents Ascension and Livingston parishes in District 88, led this legislative effort because he had spoken with several RVers who had difficulties in locating establishments that could accommodate their vehicles. He says RV travelers will now benefit from having this information clearly displayed on Louisiana's interstates and highways. Rep. Smiley believes that businesses in Louisiana will also benefit as RVers will be more likely to purchase gas, food and other items in the state rather than passing through to neighboring states.

RV ownership has reached record levels in the United States with an estimated 30 million RV enthusiasts, including renters. On America's roads today are 7.2 million RVs, which include motorhomes, travel trailers, folding camping trailers and truck campers. That's nearly one RV in every 12 vehicle-owning households in the United States, according to a study by the University of Michigan.

RV travelers spend substantial amounts of money on food, clothing, souvenirs and entertainment in the communities that surround their campgrounds. RV owners travel an average 28-35 days annually, reveals research by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). More than two-thirds of RVers take spur-of-the-moment trips year round, using their vehicles to support a wide range of recreational activities and interests, from camping, fishing, hiking, biking and boating to antiquing, horse shows, tailgating at sports events and outlet mall shopping.

Today's typical RV owner is 49 years old, married, with an annual household income of $56,000–higher than the median for all households, the same University of Michigan study found.

"As the popularity of RV travel continues to grow, I felt it was important to address some of the basic access concerns that RVers have," said Rep. Smiley. "The law benefits both RVers and business owners as the ‘RV friendly’ markers will help them to more easily connect with each other."

RV sales are booming as factory-to-dealer deliveries of new RVs are expected to set a new quarter-century record in 2004, according to University of Michigan researcher Dr. Richard Curtin.

"Families want to reconnect with America's great outdoors and spend quality time together on vacation," explains RVIA President David J. Humphreys. "RVing offers the best possible way–providing the ultimate in freedom, flexibility and control. Louisiana's parks, forests and campgrounds are rich in natural settings, breathtaking views and scenic spots ideal for RV camping."

Consumers can order a free RV "getting-started" DVD or CD-ROM at GoRVing.com or 1-888-Go RVing. Surf the website for lists of Go RVing dealers and campgrounds in your area, as well as RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs. Or write to: RVIA, P.O. Box 2999, Dept. P, Reston, VA 20195.

RVIA (rvia.org) is the national association representing more than 550 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.