Off-Roading Safety Tips You Need to Know

For most drivers, a dirty, bumpy, and uneven road would be cause to take a different route or turn around. But for some drivers, the rougher the road, the better. In fact, for those who love off-roading, no road is the best experience of all.

Whether you are new to off-roading or a mudder who just needs a refresher course on safety, these tips will make it so your next adventure goes off(roading) without a hitch.

Tip #1: Make Your Whereabouts Known

It is important to let someone know where you’ll be off-roading and when you plan on coming back. This applies to roads big or small, easy or difficult. Accidents can happen and you need to be able to be found fast if something goes wrong. If you’re unable to leave the area or call for help, your friends or family will know where you are and be able to send the proper help.

Tip #2: Don’t Go Off-Roading By Yourself

Always have at least one other vehicle come along with you when you are off road. This ensures that you will have a ride out of the area in case your vehicle gets stuck or breaks down. Another vehicle also means more supplies and help in case something goes wrong or you need help. On a less drastic note, it’s also just plain fun to go off-roading with others!

Tip #3: Buckle Up

Safety should always be first and foremost in your mind when you hit the trails. When it comes to buckling up, you absolutely wear a seatbelt when you go off-roading (or on-roading, for that matter). 

Everyone in the car will be jostled around quite a bit on the rougher terrain and you need protection in the event of a roll-over or crash. A seatbelt is the best defense against injury and death. 

Tip #4: Strap Down Your Gear

Loose gear can be dangerous for driver and passengers as it can obscure view and cause injury as well. Make sure all gear is strapped down inside the vehicle to keep you and your passengers safe from injury. Gear flying around inside can also obscure your view while you drive and could cause a crash, so make sure it is secured before you put your vehicle in drive.

Tip #5: Keep Limbs Inside The Vehicle

When driving, make sure everyone coming along keeps their arms and legs inside the vehicle. The paths and trails many offroaders take are narrow and have obstacles such as branches, trees, boulders, and other obstructions. Any arms or legs that are outside of the vehicle could be badly injured in many standard circumstances, let alone unforeseen ones.

 If the vehicle starts to tip or roll to one side, don’t let your instinct to throw your arms out override your safety. Keep limbs inside the vehicle at all times while the vehicle is moving. Likewise, make sure no one holds onto the vehicle’s roll bar as their fingers and get smashed in the event of a roll over. 

Tip #6: Pack First Aid and Survival Kits

In the event of your vehicle breaking down or an injury occurring, having a first-aid kit, food and water, tools and other basic survival kit amenities will help you immensely. 

Tip #7: Wear Protective Gear

Off road riding requires protective clothing to ensure a safe trip every time. Wearing the correct clothing can reduce the chance of injury and make your ride more comfortable for everyone. Here’s what is recommended:

• Goggles
• Protective Gloves
• Helmet: Either Full-Face or Open-Face with Eye Protection
• Boots
• Sturdy Clothing

Tip #8: E-Brake When Stopped

When driving off road, seldom are you on level ground. To make sure your vehicle won’t roll away from where you have stopped, apply the emergency brake, put the vehicle in park, and turn off the engine.

Tip #9: Take Breaks 

If you become tired, make sure to take breaks. Off-roading requires a great deal of concentration and losing focus while driving could cause an accident.

Tip #10: Handle Winches and High Straps with Care

Your straps, clevises, and other gear are under intense tension when in use. It is imperative to inspect all parts before using them. A failure in gear or vehicle can cause serious harm to yourself and those near you.

Your Next Off-Roading Adventure Awaits

You’ve taken all precautions and now it’s time to get ready for an off road adventure. You have your tools, supplies, and checklists and do’s and don’ts. Making sure you have the perfect vehicle for your desires is next on the list.

At Mach1 Motorsports, we have the knowledge to supply you with aftermarket parts and the latest diagnostics equipment. We are focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction, meeting and exceeding your expectations.

We will keep your off-road vehicle running like new and ensure that it is repaired correctly so you never get stuck out on the trail. Contact us today to learn what we can do to help you get out on the trails, enjoying the fresh air and challenge of mudding, climbing, or just taking a trail ride.