5 Important Safety Tips for Your Offroad Adventures

Off-road exploration is a favorite activity for adventurers all over the world, but it is not for the faint of heart. Bringing your 4×4 vehicle along seems like a no brainer when the alternatives involve carrying heavy, cumbersome equipment for miles versus bringing a donkey or horse to do the job. However, you can’t just head off-road because your truck or SUV has off-road capabilities. This is a serious sport, and like all sports it takes skill and the correct equipment to get the job done right. Read on to learn essential safety tips for your excursion.

1. Prepare With Proper Equipment

Never take a vehicle off-road that is not built to handle the terrain. A properly equipped, all wheel drive, off-road ready vehicle is a must. You will also need a “rescue and recovery” kit. Below are eight items every off-road expert brings along for the ride:

1. High-Quality Nylon Tow Strap
2. A Bow Saw
3. Gloves
4. A First-Aid Kit
5. A Hatchet
6. Come-Along
7. Paper Map
8. A Chain

Leave your kit in your car. Part of the fun of owning a 4×4 vehicle is being able to save the day when a fellow motorist needs a hand.

2. Bring a 4×4 Friend

Using the buddy system is a necessity when traveling outside the reach of regular emergency response vehicles. If one of you becomes stuck the other can help out. Likewise, if an accident leaves your vehicle inoperable, having another 4×4 vehicle there can decide the outcome of a life or death situation.

3. Plan to Stay

Bring along enough supplies to stay overnight. Nightfall can creep up on you, and at times there is no option but to stay. Always prepare by packing extra food and, more importantly, water. Plus, whenever you get where you are going, you might decide you are not ready to leave, so it is a good idea to come prepared.

4. Walk Before You Crawl

If you question your ability to take on an obstacle, get out and walk the path. If you can’t make it by foot, even a well-equipped vehicle probably will not make it. When you find you are able to go ahead, crawl. If you “need speed” you likely will not make it.

5. Keep Body Parts in Always

It is imperative that you and your passengers keep body parts in the vehicle. Losing a limb is the last thing you need when you have to navigate difficult terrain to seek medical attention. When an off-road vehicle threatens to tip or tumble, people have been known to instinctively put their arm out to prevent a rollover. With the proper equipment and a buddy there, you can recover your vehicle; body parts are another story.

If you are an off-road expert, you know how important safety is when you are taking a less traveled route into the wilderness. Everyone planning to pioneer a new path needs to become very familiar with these important off-road safety tips. It is equally important to educate passengers. So, be sure to share these tips with your off-road adventure companions.

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