Off-Roading can be a very fun undertaking as long as you are properly equipped for what you might encounter. This document has been designed to act as an aid and help you plan and execute safe off-roading. It is not however, meant to be a do all or end all for off-roading.
Spare Tire: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST ONE FULL SIZED
SPARE. Some vehicles such as the Ford Explorer store the spare underneath the
trunk bed in the rear of the car. You may wish to place this tire in your trunk
for easier access before embarking on your off-roading experience. Also make
sure that you know how to change this tire and feel comfortable doing so without
any assistance.
Emergency Contact: Before embarking on your trip, make sure you have
notified people of EXACTLY where you are heading. This is extremely important
in case you are hurt. Also determine a safety contact and notify them of a time
when you will next call them. Stick to this time and pre-negotiate with this
person a plan of action should you not contact them by the predetermined time.
In this day of cell phones, you may be used to being able to always contact
someone in case of an emergency. Don't count on cell service, or rapidly
available help, in the remote locations where off-roading will take you.
Food & Water: Carry enough food and water to get you through at least
3 to 4 times the amount of time you plan on off-roading. You may need
this food in case of emergency.
Scout it Out: Ask questions of locals to figure out and understand where
you are going and what you are getting yourself into. If you are on national
lands, contact the park rangers or foresters, be in touch with the local offices.
Let public officials know where you are going.
Maps, Maps, Maps: Count on getting lost. Even though you may not, it
is best to have maps of everything imaginable so that you do not wind up in
an emergency situation and can always get out. Check out CollegeRoadTrip.com's
Maps Advice for helpful tips on what you may need and where to
get it.
Compass too: Yes, you should have a compass too! Make sure you know how
to use your compass before you head out and try to find something!
Know where you are: Always know where you are on a map and where your
possible escape routes are. Have a plan for what you will do if...
Planning ahead of time can make all the difference in getting through a
dangerous situation.
Don't Be Afraid to Turn Back: The time to decide that your vehicle
may not be equipped to take on an obstacle is before finding out the
hard way.
Carry it Out: As you travel, you will find that you are traversing directly
through pristine and untouched wilderness. It is therefore your obligation to
leave it how you found it and to take only pictures. Make sure you pack out
all of your trash and make a valid attempt not to disturb the natural environment
around you. Check out this link to TreadLightly.org
off-roading advice for more information on sustainable and environmentally
conscious travel.
Common Courtesy: Make sure to leave all gates you encounter as you found them. Remember to give right of way to bicycles and pedestrians. Finally, stay on the road so that you don't ruin the privilege of access for others!
Don't Drown: Don't get in over your head. If this is your first time
off-roading, take it slow. Find out from the locals and rangers if the route
you have planned is feasible for your skill level. The last thing you want to
do is get on a road that you can't handle.
Don't Abuse & Cruise: DO NOT drink and drive. We know you've heard this
many times, but seriously it is extremely important especially while off-roading.
When "out there" you have to be 100% or you, your car and your passengers are
going to get hurt.
Have fun: Even though off-roading is quite dangerous at times, it is
still quite fun. Make sure to keep a level head and don't take on unneeded risks.
