Spot Like a Pro

Understanding general principles will get you and your buddies through ‘the thick of things' on the trails.

by

Words by Tom Severin

Safe and effective spotting occurs when the driver and spotter work together. Each knows what to expect from one another and they communicate effectively. It can be challenging, but it’s a skill that can be taught.

This is not a discussion about spotting style or hand signals as there are many. You can simply develop the style you are comfortable with and it’s important to make sure the driver can see your hands and that you’re decisive. Instead, this is a review of the thought processes and decisions that both the driver and spotter experience. We’ll also touch base on gaining spotting experience, which can lead to regular spotting opportunities.

There are three general rules of spotting. The first rule to understand is only one person assists the driver. Anyone else offering hand signals will confuse the driver and could lead to a mishap.

The second one is that a potential spotter should always ask to offer assistance. Don’t just jump in and start directing. A driver will generally welcome the help and be open to discussing the situation. Successful direction and advice hinge on a collaborative effort. The third rule is to stay a safe distance from the vehicle and be positioned to obtain a clear view underneath the vehicle on both sides.

Driver Concerns about the Spotter

Drivers are naturally cautious about accepting directions from someone they don’t know. After all, their vehicle – and possibly well-being – depends on those instructions.

Some of the thoughts running through their minds may include

  • How do I know the spotter is trustworthy?
  • Can I be confident he/she will pick the right lines?
  • Who taught the spotter? How did he learn this skill?

If the spotter is a member of a club or has extensive four-wheeling experience then they may be reliable. Perhaps the driver has seen the spotter in action before or has used the person on occasion.

Always Discuss Options

Effective communication is essential. Assess the situation together and determine options. The driver needs to listen to the spotter and also be open to questioning a spotter’s suggestion. Does the spotter exude confidence and knowledge? Also, understand the rationale behind decisions. Challenging situations require careful, thorough planning.

Also, review the hand signals that will be used. Make sure they are clearly understood. Any disagreement must be resolved or a new spotter should be used. Every driver must also be humble enough to ask for guidance. Since there’s a huge blind spot in front of the vehicle, they should stop and ask for help when necessary and also be willing to work with a newer spotter.

Need a Spotter?

Once a course of action is determined, both the driver and spotter must stick to it. As long as the expected commands are given, the driver must follow the instructions.

The person behind the wheel must resist the temptation to make last-second changes while being directed. An obstacle or trail edge may be in a blind spot. Ignoring directions could be perilous and following the signals keep the vehicle on course.

Rely on the spotter to stop all forward progress. In the event the course of action will not work as the vehicle gets closer to the obstacle, a new one must be determined.

Spotting is Challenging but Rewarding

Helping a driver on the trail is a good way to help fellow drivers and develop an important skill. But it can be mentally challenging. A lot is dependent on the signals given.

As a prospective spotter, ask yourself:

  • Do I want to risk being responsible for damaging someone else’s vehicle?
  • What if the spotting doesn’t go well?
  • What will happen if the driver doesn’t follow my commands?

Prospective spotters must be honest with themselves and shouldn’t volunteer if they are not comfortable with the risk. Those with no experience should leave the spotting to someone with a lot of trail credibility.

If a spotting incident goes poorly, it’s important to stop immediately. Consult with the driver on the next set of moves. Perhaps the driver didn’t see the signals well or understand them. He may even get out of the vehicle to get a new perspective, which is highly recommended.

Then, discuss new approaches or lines and resume spotting. Incidentally, use the same hand signals whether the vehicle is moving forward or in reverse. Just point in the direction you want the vehicle to go.

A spotter who is relatively new to helping other drivers doesn’t make his opinions any less credible. If the driver refuses to follow the hand signals after several disagreements, the spotter should consider quitting. There must always be good communication and they both need to work together. If either one is uncomfortable, a new arrangement must be made.

How to Get Experience Spotting

Start by asking some friends and find a trail or open area to practice. The ‘coach’ will first review the hand signals to use. Next, have the vehicle positioned near a location that requires spotting and then discuss the pre-determined lines. Ideally, the driver will agree with the assessment.

At this point, the coach should be standing behind the new spotter whispering suggestions (without hand signals). Afterwards, any concerns or other details should be discussed. Practice as many times as possible as every spotting situation is unique. The next step is to guide a driver around a slightly more challenging obstacle. Continue practicing until spotting feels comfortable.

For the first ‘live’ spotting, go on a trail run with friends or club members. They’re more likely to provide the chance to spot in a real situation. Feel free to ask a veteran driver any questions or for assistance.

Spotting is very common in four-wheeling. A white-knuckle course that covers sections on spotting isn’t necessary. Prospective spotters can gain valuable experience by guiding someone through relatively easy situations or obstacles through experience. At the same time, drivers should keep an open mind. They may be pleasantly surprised at the quality of directions.

Incidentally, Tom Severin offers a course on spotting and hand signals. He is a 4x4 coach and teaches four-wheel-drive owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skills. Connect with Tom Severin on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Badlands4x4Instructor/