{"id":715,"date":"2021-11-24T09:12:04","date_gmt":"2021-11-24T14:12:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/passportoverland.com\/?p=715"},"modified":"2022-01-12T10:27:48","modified_gmt":"2022-01-12T15:27:48","slug":"13-safety-tips-for-new-overlanders-and-offroaders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/passportoverland.com\/13-safety-tips-for-new-overlanders-and-offroaders\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Safety Tips for New Overlanders and Offroaders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Welcome to the world of overlanding and offroading! Over the years, we have been exposed to many different people from all areas of life who share a love for traveling in their 4×4 vehicles outside the beaten path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This article is directed toward those new to the scene and wants to ensure they stay safe while exploring this amazing planet and its natural beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These safety tips are not directed toward how to handle your vehicle while trail-wheeling or rock crawling, but rather how to avoid becoming a statistic by getting yourself into dangerous situations before you hit the trails themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is an infinite number of ways something could happen out there on your travel adventures. However, using these tips as guidelines can reduce the risks and increase your overlanding safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember that every trip you take will be different, with its unique landscapes and road conditions. However, by taking proper precautions before hitting the trails, we may help avoid common potential safety hazards encountered on today’s roads and trails such as:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n By preparing for these situations ahead of time with a bit of planning and preparation, you substantially heighten your chances of having an enjoyable trip without any undue concern for your safety or those around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let us all remember; it’s not how you begin life but rather how you end it that matters. Let us also keep in mind that we can help let them know about these potential hazards before they get involved by sharing this information with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to note that the statistics on vehicular accidents are staggering each year, no matter where or what type of vehicle you are driving. Statistics have shown that 4×4 owners are generally safer drivers than those who do not own a four-wheeled vehicle because they self-select themselves for more responsible behavior behind the wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are 13 top safety tips for New Overlanders and Offroaders:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our experience has told us otherwise that first-time offroaders have caused substantial damage to their machines and other property resulting from their lack of knowledge and experience. The most important thing to remember as a new offroader is that slow and steady wins the race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It has been said many times before, but it’s more about getting there than how fast you get there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are not comfortable with your driving abilities or how your vehicle handles specific terrain, please do yourself a favor by finding an experienced driver who can take you out for a safe, enjoyable ride of discovery instead of potentially chewing up your machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is an essential safety aspect that should never be taken lightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you’re an experienced wheeler with years of experience, having someone else out there with you to keep you company throughout the journey can help keep everyone in better spirits and more focused instead of being alone for hours upon hours on end without any interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A co-pilot also comes in handy when it comes time to do some heavy lifting and work, such as changing flat tires or winching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, in some cases, co-pilots can easily take the place of a winch when using an improvised snatch strap or tow strap since it’s much easier having someone else do the pulling than trying to hold back your vehicle yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you become more involved in overlanding activities, you will become more comfortable with this great hobby. However, if things go wrong while out on the trails or even being stuck where no one can see you, it is always better to have a plan of action before you get into that situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s best not to assume anything when venturing out onto the trail or into the backcountry, and contact your local authorities if required when in doubt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep an eye on your vehicle’s fluid levels, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ensure a proper inspection of the vehicle before departure to ensure everything is in good working order. It’s also a great idea to bring along a first aid kit on any trip and survival gear such as food rations, water, compass\/GPS, etc., just in case something goes wrong on your travel adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You never know what you will find out there! A pre-trip inspection keeps you prepared for those unforeseen situations that can happen unexpectedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Preparing properly for your overlanding adventure means having the right equipment with you at all times and having a basic knowledge of first aid to care for yourself or other victims. It’s always recommended to carry a first aid kit and a survival kit with food rations, water, flashlight\/solar flare kits, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure to have enough fuel on hand at all times during your travels along the trail just in case you get lost or stuck out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to carrying extra fuel, it is also essential that if something mechanical should go wrong on the trail that you have an extra part readily available so you can fix your machine instead of being stranded out there without the resources needed to repair it properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n13 Safety Tips for New Overlanders and Offroaders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Have a Co-Pilot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Plan Ahead<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Check Vehicle Fluids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Inspect Your Vehicle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5. Carry Adequate Clothing and Equipment <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Carry Adequate Supplies <\/h3>\n\n\n\n