Resources for Off-Roading Safely
Leaving your automobile in the garage and venturing off the highways promises to be exhilarating. Before you begin off-road driving, it is important to learn how to control your vehicle in a variety of conditions, what to pack, and how to drive responsibly and safely. Off-roading safety should be your top priority, and it’s also important to leave as little impact as possible in the places you visit. Your car might not be up for the challenge, but 4×4 trucks and other vehicles should be able to take you where you want to go.
Off-Roading Safety
Maintain safety at every turn when you’re off-roading. Complete safety involves adequate preparation before you go and prudence while you’re driving.
- Drive slowly so you can maneuver safely.
- Always stay on trails.
- Yield right-of-way when you meet other vehicles.
- Never drink and drive.
- Tell someone where you are going.
Overview of Trails
Always walk a trail first before driving it so you know what any trail involves. This way, you can see obstacles as well as any potential areas where you might get stuck.
- Don’t try to drive over an obstacle unless you’re willing to risk getting stuck.
- Know what your vehicle can do.
- Observe trail etiquette, paying fees and obeying all rules.
- Never venture onto private land.
- Stay on the trails, and don’t drive over vegetation.
- Never leave anything behind on a trail.
How to Pack and Prepare
Packing gear and equipment will enable you to manage unforeseen situations while you’re off-roading. Always pack more supplies than you think you’ll need.
- Bring a winch to use if you get stuck.
- Pack a hi-lift jack in case of a flat tire or obstacle.
- An automotive tool kit will make it possible to take care of basic repairs.
- Bring one gallon of water for every person, food, warm clothes, blankets, and a first-aid kit.
- Bring extra gas.
Resources
- Safety Rules for Off Road – Off-road driving is exciting, but follow safety rules such as packing survival gear and having all vehicle occupants wear seatbelts.
- Off-Road Driving and Safety Tips – Driving slowly when off-road driving is the best approach for safety.
- Off-Road Driving Tips – Always perform vehicle maintenance before heading off-road to ensure that your vehicle will perform correctly and safely.
- 10 Pretty Basic Off-Roading Tips – Understand how off-road traction control works on your vehicle so you know how and when to use it.
- Guide to Safe, Common Sense Off-Road Driving (PDF) – Treading lightly while off-road driving involves leaving minimal impact, respecting wildlife, planning adequately, and enjoying responsible recreation.
- A Beginner’s Guide to Off-Roading: 4 Important Safety Tips – Never drive off-road alone, and always bring along more supplies and equipment than you think you’ll need.
- Five Safety Tips for Off-Roading – Always tell someone where you will be going when you drive off-road, and walk a driving path before you try to drive it to make sure it’s possible to drive it safely.
- Best OHV / Off Road Driving Trails in the United States – Use this map to choose off-road driving trails across the United States.
- In Defense of Off-Roading – Off-roading involves driving on designated trails and dirt roads, not simply driving anywhere.
- Off-Road Trails and Riding Parks – Check this list of off-road trails and roads, organized by state, to find a location for off-roading.
- Guide To Gearing Up For Offroad? – This list includes both basic equipment as well as a maintenance list to check prior to driving off-road.
- Masters of Mud: 12 Off-Roading Essentials – Gloves, a headlamp, a tire repair kit, and a folding spade are just a few items to bring along on an off-roading trip.
- 10 Essential Tools for Off-Roading – Pack a recovery kit when you go off-roading, so you have the equipment necessary if you get stuck.
- 4×4 Trail Gear & Camping Checklist – Off-roading necessities include duct tape, baling wire, a tow strap, water, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight.
- Going Offroad? Be Prepared! Use These Off-Road Checklists So You Know What To Pack And What To Do (…In Case You Get Stuck) – Bring along a full toolbox and spare parts when you hit the trail for off-road driving.
- Gear to Carry if You’re Overlanding or Off-Roading – Stock your toolbox with sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, zip ties, crimpers, wire, electrical tape, crimp connectors, and a multimeter.
- Best Solo Off-Roading Tools – Equipment to Have When Driving on Trails – A hatchet can help you clear limbs and trees from your path, and a bow saw makes it possible to remove downed trees.
- 10 Most Underrated Off-Road Accessories – A deflator enables you to remove air from your tires if you need more traction.
- What Clothes to Wear on an Off-Road Expedition? – Layering clothes has important benefits because it helps keep you warmer when it’s cold and allows you to remove layers if the temperature goes up.
- Off-Roading For Beginners – Be careful if you drive through water, because the water may be deeper than you think.