10 Ways To Protect Yourself While Off-Roading

Maybe you’re almost ready for your off-roading trip. Before you go, you must know some important safety tips to protect yourself while off-roading. Otherwise, you may fell in big trouble.

In this article, we’ve mentioned 10 tips on how to protect yourself while off-roading. Keep reading.

Protect Yourself While Off-Roading

1. Be Prepared For Worst-Case Scenarios

First-Aid Kit: Always carry a first-aid kit with you. Though this won’t solve your all first-aid needs. But a good one will allow you to deal with different kinds of injuries. This will primarily help you to stop blood loss, manage a simple cut to something more serious.

Warm Clothes: In the cold season, you’ll need proper warm clothes to survive outside of the vehicle. If your vehicles glass breaks or if the engine doesn’t run, then you will be exposed to the cold wind. It’s also a good idea to keep a few blankets under the seat of your vehicle.

Hand Gloves: A tough, durable hand gloves will save your hands while you’re out on the trail. Take at least one with you to protect your hands from cuts, burns and any other kinds of injuries.

Fire Extinguisher: Taking a fire extinguisher in the vehicle is an easy way to prevent fire damage. Pick one for your vehicle that will be safe for both electrical and chemical fires.

Food & Water: Always carry enough water, food and stable snacks in your vehicle. You should keep at least one bottle of water per seat. The more, the better. This will enable you to stay hydrated and keep your energy up if you end up stuck overnight.

Shelter: You should take a tent with you, preferably truck/jeep bed tent. If you have to stay there at night it’ll help you get a good sleep.

2. Never Drink and Ride

It’s illegal to drive any vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It can cause serious accidents. Avoid this to protect yourself and others from danger.

3. Don’t Forget To Take a Winch and Recovery Equipments

When you get stuck in sand, mud or any other traps, you’ll need some recovery equipment such as winch and snatch straps to get yourself out.

Winch: When it comes to recovery, winch is one of the first things that people need. Keep in mind that, there are a lot of low-quality cheap winches out there. Don’t go for those cheap winches. They will fail when you need it most. Always go for the best quality winch. You might not need to use it often, but when you get really stuck it will be a life saver.

Snatch Straps: This is a dynamic recovery strap. It is different from a tow strap. It is used between a towing vehicle and blogged vehicle. Don’t use a snatch strap with a pulley back.

4. Do the P.E.T.R.O.L Check Regularly

It’s essential to check your vehicle on a regular basis to keep you and your vehicle safe. The acronym PETROL is a very easy way to remember what to check every time. This will take a very little time do a complete check

• P is for Petrol. Inspect the fuel level.
• E is for Electrical. Inspect the battery terminals and levels.
• T is for Tyres. Check tire pressure and sidewalls for cuts or any kind of damage.
• R is for Radiator. Check the coolant level.
• is for Oil. Inspect oil level.
• L is for Lights. Check all lights are working.

5. Have a Co-pilot

Your co-pilot is your general superstar helper. Driving for a long time is boring. You may get distracted and ride in the wrong direction. So, having a co-pilot is a good idea. He/She will help you to stay focused on driving. He is also your navigator, spotter and drinks getter.

6. Show Respect to the Tools

Use winches and other recovery equipment with proper respect. Clevises, straps and other recovery items are under extreme tension when they’re in use. Inspect them carefully before using and make sure that they’re in good condition. Stand clear while you’re trying to recover your vehicle.

7. Stay Inside-All of You

Your legs and arms must remain inside your vehicle. There is a high possibility of injuries if your arms and legs hang on outside.

8. Take a Break

If you become tired, take a break. Off-road driving requires deep concentration. A single mistake can lead to a big accident. If you feel tired, then stop driving and take rest or let someone else drive.

9. If Possible Take Two Vehicles

Taking off-road trips in groups is always a great idea. It’s good to have at least one other vehicle along. This ensures that you are able to return home if your vehicles become stuck, damaged or immobilized and can’t be fixed there. Also, additional vehicle means additional manpower to help with any problems.

10. Let People Know Your Plans

Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. If you face any accident and become unable to back in time, at least your friends or family will know where to start searching. You should apply this tip to all trips, not just those in risky areas.

Don’t forget what we mentioned here. We hope you have a safe and fun off-road experience with your friends and family. Have fun!