Environmental Concerns
Off-road driving can provide wholesome and satisfying
recreation. However, it also raises environmental
concerns. We recognize these concerns and urge every
off-roader to follow these basic rules for protecting
the environment:
•Always use established trails, roads and areas that
have been specially set aside for public off-road
recreational driving; obey all posted regulations.
•Avoidany driving practice that could damage the
environment— shrubs, flowers, trees, grasses — or
disturbwildlife (this includes wheel-spinning,
breakingdown trees or unnecessary driving through
streamsor over soft ground).
•Alwayscarry a litter bag — make sure all refuse is
removedfrom any campsite before leaving.
•Takeextreme care with open fires, where permitted,
campstoves and lanterns.
•Neverpark your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustiblematerials that could catch fire from the
heatof the vehicle’s exhaust system.
Traveling to Remote Areas
It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when going
to a remote area. Know the terrain and plan your
route. You are much less likely to get bad surprises.
Get accurate maps of trails and terrain. Try to learn of
any blocked or closed roads.
It is also a good idea to travel with at least one other
vehicle. If something happens to one of them, the other
can help quickly.
Does your vehicle have a winch? If so, be sure to read
the winch instructions. In a remote area, a winch
can be handy if you get stuck. But you will want to know
how to use it properly.
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving
It is a good idea to practice in an area that is safe
and close to home before you go into the wilderness.
Off-roaddriving does require some new and different
skills. Here is what we mean.
Tune your senses to different kinds of signals. Your
eyes, for example, need to constantly sweep the terrain
for unexpected obstacles. Your ears need to listen
for unusual tire or engine sounds. With your arms,
hands, feet and body, you will need to respond to
vibrations and vehicle bounce.
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