Off-Road Trail Safety
Whether you are a veteran of the off-road trail or a novice rider itching to explore the great outdoors on your two or four-wheeler, you need to bring with you more than a little good sense and safety precautions. Without a significant amount of awareness when it comes to protecting yourself and your transport, you could wind up injured, lost, or otherwise in bad shape.
First, it is essential that you bring a helmet with you. In many places, it is the law. That also means you need to wear it. A helmet is no use slung over handlebars or in storage. Of course, there might not be other people for a hundred miles except you and your riding companions, so your initial thought process might suggest the opposite. Unless you are a clairvoyant or have access to a 100% accurate crystal ball, that kind of thinking is as risky as gambling on never having a puncture. It is always better to err on the side of caution and wear a protective helmet when you ride on the trail.
Take and drink plenty of fluids but remember the rule: alcohol and driving do not mix. It goes for trailing off-roads as well as for mainstream automobiles, motorcycles, and boats. Even one beer has the ability to render you in a state of slowed responsiveness and that means that a wrong turn could be the last one you ever make. Save the alcoholic beverages for the celebratory dinner or party the night after a great day of trail riding. The same can be said for being sleep-deprived or too exhausted to make rational decisions about your route, and responding quickly to trail surprises.
Make sure you use the buddy system. Although there are plenty of off-road enthusiasts who head out into the mountains and trails without a companion besides their trusty mount, it is typically not a good idea. The thinking behind this safety precaution is a reasonable one: if anything happens to you on the trail, having someone else there will speed up the process of getting you to a safety. This works both ways: can you respond to someone else’s breakdown or injury? Two people may not be enough to aid one person while another goes for help. This also implies that you plan your exit routes.
Of course, it may be helpful to have a cell phone on you for your off-road rides, though you cannot always rely on it unless you are in a good signal coverage area. Remote areas are most likely not within mobile phone range. Without a cellular phone, you could find yourself off a trail in no time and without a clue as to how to get in contact with anyone reliable to help you out. This is all the more reason to be able to self-rescue and plan for contingencies that do not depend on temperamental technology.
If you are exploring a new trail, bring along a current map of the area and a compass, even a rudimentary one to indicate north. Better still, get an orienteering compass that you can use to determine waypoints, even if you have a GPS. Make sure both you and your riding buddies each have one and know how to use it. Sure, it is not considered cool to say, “Let’s look at the map” but it is a lot better than shivering along a remote trail at midnight, wondering how in the world you will make it back. Orienteering and learning more about an area and trail will make the next trip that much more enjoyable and lead to alternative expeditions.
It is also wise that you get the local weather forecast by radio or a television before taking an off-road trip. Know what your equipment and body are able to handle in the expected conditions before things get tricky and dangerous. It is best to know what kind of elements you are likely to encounter and the ability of all your group members in order to prevent a miserable or tragic time later. That way you can dress appropriately, bring along suitable gear, or leave the trail trip for another day if conditions look too challenging.
Finally, one of the most important safety precautions is to ensure that everyone is healthy, fit and strong enough to navigate the trail. If you are feeling at all ill or have a physical injury that could prevent you from being a dependable member of the group, you should pick another time. There is no shame in postponing a trip if you are under-performing. And, besides, it is unlikely that you will be able to enjoy the experience to its fullest if you are coughing, achy, or in pain. Your bravado could put everyone else at risk. Similarly, keep an eye on each other along the way for signs of fatigue or stress and be ready to turn back before it becomes too late.
By being prudent, you can ensure that your next off-road trail adventure is exciting, rewarding, and, most of all, safe.
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