photo by molchanovdmitry via iStock
Let’s face it, we all make mistakes no matter how long we’ve been doing something – it is human. There are some mistakes though that should be avoided at all costs as their outcomes may be serious.
To help prevent you from making these off-roading mistakes we have decided to create a follow-up article on the worst mistakes one can make when off-road.
Never Forget Your First Aid Kit
photo by bernie_photo via iStock
A first aid kit is something that should always be in your car regardless of the terrain or type of driving you will be doing.
If you take your first aid kit in and out of your car, chances are you will be forgetting it sooner or later and as it always happens you will need it when you do not have it.
Depending on where you live you might also want to add a snake bite kit in there (I’m looking at you, Australia…)
Off-Roading Mistake: Never Drive in the Middle of the Track
photo by Solovyova via iStock
Imagine you are driving up a steep hill that leads to a descent that is not visible. You are driving in the middle of the hill because the road on the left or right (depending on where you live) is too corrugated. As you approach the end of the hill, another car comes on the other side that you hadn’t seen, and you crash.
That is an unwanted situation especially in the middle of nowhere; therefore, try to always keep on your side no matter how bad the road is.
On single-lane tracks be extremely cautious, use the horn as a signal in blind turns or hills, and look out for signs of other vehicles ahead. If you do so, you’ll help avoid the off-roading mistake of having a crash on the track.
Learn More:
Ask for Help
photo by molchanovdmitry via iStock
Asking for help is no weakness, it only ensures that you and your 4WD make it back home safely.
On tricky sections of track and when visibility of the obstacles in front is poor, ask your mates to spot you. Don’t worry, it doesn’t make you any less of a four-wheel driver.
Off-Roading Mistake: Not Having a Fire Extinguisher
photo by RapidEye via iStock
Not having a fire extinguisher when traveling in a remote area is kind of like not having a first aid kit. I will go as far as saying that having a fire extinguisher can be the difference between life or death.
Think of it – if your car catches on fire everything you have with you from water to food is gone, and if you are in the middle of nowhere alone that’s a problem.
You may be thinking that the chances of a spontaneous fire starting are minor, and they are. But an electrical problem, some dried-up plants on a hot exhaust, or even a charging camera battery may be all that’s needed. Avoid this off-roading mistake and bring a fire extinguisher with you.
Not Waiting for the Rest of the Convoy
photo by Onfokus via iStock
This may again sound harmless, but when remote traveling a wrong turn may lead to a huge issue. If someone is left behind chances are he or she will make a wrong turn and if communications are no longer within working distance it can get ugly pretty quick.
Therefore, always wait for the rest of the convoy or mark the turns you take.
The points mentioned above are some of the most important ones you should always keep in mind when off-roading to stay safe and have fun. Follow this advice and you’ll avoid these off-roading mistakes!
What do you think? Are there any other tips one should follow to avoid catastrophic mistakes when off-road?