Preparation + Safe Practices = Fun

1. Fun four-wheeling is safe four-wheeling. Although most people like to push just to the edge of their comfort level, genuine terror is not fun for anyone. Err on the side of caution. Don’t let your ego dictate your course of action.

2. Be prepared. Carry a first aid kit, spare tire and jack, flashlight, and cell phone on board. Carry adequate water, snacks, and clothing. (More exhaustive lists of safety and emergency equipment are available.) File a “flight plan”: write down where you are going and when you plan to return, and leave the information with someone who will notice if you don’t return as scheduled. “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”

3. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order before and after your adventure: tires in good condition, properly inflated and with adequate tread for the trail; brakes in good working order, with adequate hydraulic fluid and free of dust and debris; cooling system in good working order: no leaks, good hoses, adequate fluids.

4. Know your limitations and the limitations of your vehicle. The good four- wheeler is the one who acknowledges when a trail or obstacle is beyond the capability of driver or vehicle. There is pride in finding the “easy way around”.

5. “As slow as you can, as fast as you must” is the mantra of safe and responsible four-wheeling. Four-wheel drive vehicles are not race cars. TV commercials show 4x4’s flying over obstacles and whipping around corners. That is not an accurate representation of real four-wheeling. More off-road rollovers occur on “easy” dirt roads, due to speeds above 20 mph.

6. Respect the trail and other users. Practice good trail etiquette and serve as a good example to other users.

7. Respect the environment. Take only pictures, leave only footprints (as few footprints as possible). Do not drive off established trails. Take out everything you brought in with you, but nothing more.

8. Do not consume alcohol. Whether driver or passenger, impaired function exponentially increases the risk of accident or illness.

9. Scout ahead. Have an Atlas, relative land management and topographical maps of the area you are exploring. Research your intended route. If you encounter a “blind spot” in the trail, water crossing or other obstacle, get out of your vehicle and thoroughly check out the area. Decide whether you have a good line, if you need a spotter, or if you should turn around and go back.

10. Have fun! Don't make such a huge production out of the trip that you forget why you are going in the first place. Keep things in perspective, stay cool, and take it easy.