Off Road Trail Safety Rules
Submitted
Very few things can compare to the thrill of building and driving your 4WD rig over terrain that most cars cannot traverse. It provides hours of fun and the experience itself is more than reward enough. However, it is not simply a recreational activity. Off-roading is as much a hobby as it can be an extreme sport. There are real dangers that come with off-roading including getting stranded, getting into an accident, becoming injured, and damaging your vehicle and paying an expensive repair bill. Most of these dangers can be avoided, though, by following a few simple safety rules.
So, what exactly are these rules that you absolutely must follow when you’re going off road?
Know Your Rig And Its Capabilities
Very few people read their motor vehicle manual, which is a shame because it provides a lot of vital information. Everything from technical specs, features, to instructions can be found here. This information will allow you to gauge what terrain your rig is capable of tackling and what terrain should be avoided. This is very important because you won’t have ready access to emergency services on the trail if you get into trouble.
Use The Lowest Gear Possible
Offroading often entails tackling very steep inclines, big rocks, and other conditions where traction is significantly strained. The best approach to these obstacles is to use a lower gear range. This is because when a low gear range is engaged, a second set of gears activates and amplifies the power of your rig at low RPMs.
Lower Tire Pressure
While on treated concrete, fully inflated tires function best for your vehicle because they allow the vehicle to move efficiently while requiring little energy. This is not true for off road conditions. The higher the pressure of your tires, the more likely that your vehicle is going to bounce, which translates to a rough ride and significantly less traction.
Never Go Alone
Because emergency services are not readily available in off-road areas, it’s supremely important to go with a trusted companion. Whether it’s so they can spot danger for you, help you pull your truck out from a precarious position, or even help with navigation; a companion is an absolute must if you’re trying to complete a trail, and a lifesaver for when you get into trouble.
Keep Emergency Supplies
Off roading is full of danger; so many things can go wrong at any time. You have to prepare for the possibility of getting stranded despite your best efforts. You also have to prepare for the possibility of an accident. How prepared you are for these adverse situations will determine your chances of survival. So, make sure to pack food rations, emergency medical supplies, as well as outdoor gear and apparel like the items at kryptek.com.
Offroading is a sport that provides such a unique experience. However, like most extreme sports, we need to consider that while the element of danger is what defines an extreme sport, the danger involved should always be calculated and mitigated.