Let’s face it. Off-roading is awesome. Your 4X4 is your baby, and you love taking it out on the weekends. Even if you’re an experienced off-road driver, it’s important to keep a few safety tips in mind. Crossroads Automotive advises that this keeps your weekend fun instead of ending it in tragedy. Let’s talk about some off-road safety tips below.
Pass Out Maps
Hand out maps of your route to people who aren’t accompanying you. It’s important that you can be located in the event that you get stuck or lost. Make sure that those back at your campsite who aren’t tagging along know exactly where you will be throughout the route. This makes it easier for emergency services to find you if they need to.
Go in Pairs
Never off-road alone. It’s better to drive in pairs so that somebody can come back for help if necessary. It’s also possible that your off-road vehicle could get damaged and you would have no way to get back to the campsite. Always go off-roading in pairs so that you have a way out in case something goes wrong.
Pack Emergency Supplies
Always prepare for the worst-case scenario. Make sure that you have emergency supplies in your 4X4 in the event you get stranded. Even if you’re only going off-roading for the day, you never know when something will go wrong and you’ll need to survive until you are found.
Wear Seatbelts
Always make sure that you and your passengers have your seatbelts on. Never go off-roading without a seatbelt on. If you do, you are asking for injuries or worse. The rough terrain will throw you about. It’s important to be secured in your seats with the proper seatbelts.
Remain Inside
You and your passengers should also always keep your arms and legs inside. Never hang onto the rollbar, and always wear helmets. Keep in mind that you are driving on rough terrain that can easily flip your 4X4 over. Don’t take chances. Protect yourselves.
Don’t Drive Tired
Stop off-roading once you get tired. This type of rough-terrain driving requires top motor skills and concentration. Don’t ever off-road if you are drinking, and make sure that you are always alert behind the wheel. It’s best to call it a day when you start to feel sluggish.
Finally, bring your 4X4 truck to Crossroads Automotive in Topeka, KS, for a complete vehicle inspection and service before you go off-roading. We’ll make sure that your vehicle is ready to tackle the rough terrain and that you won’t experience any mechanical issues.