Responsible Driving

Off road magazines tend to publish a large number of articles depicting the pleasure and adventure contained in owning and driving a 4x4 vehicle, in the environment it’s supposed to be driven – off the tarmac. But what about the less pleasant times, when one’s entertainment affects the other’s well being?

There’s an everlasting discussion on this subject of the side effects of irresponsible driving – the kind of fun that makes environmentalists raise eyebrows and blame 4x4 lovers for contributing to the destruction of the planet. Along the years we’ve been off roading and heard stories, we’ve managed to compile a list of things 4x4 lovers should to do in order to enjoy their hobby without the unwanted side effects of complaints and grievances from third parties.

Respecting traffic participants

You might think that having a great big SUV or muddy challenge truck gives you way in traffic situations. Unfortunately, it’s not so. On the contrary, those who drive big cars should be more responsible than the rest. Euro NCAP tests have shown that bigger usually means safer. For you. But what about others on the streets? Accidents happen even without them being the 4x4 driver’s fault but it’s only logical to assume that out of them, the bigger cars present the safest alternative. So, slowing down, always thinking two moves ahead and always considering what other cars might do can prevent allot of misfortunes. Always remember that the downsides of big trucks is that they’re not built for speed, but comfort and space.

But the respect does not stop here. It’s not only on the road that we should pay attention to what everyone else is doing. We may not be the only ones on dirt or rocky roads either. Remember that these particular trails are dusty in the summer time and a speeding 4x4 will do anything but improve the state of affairs. It’s only natural that trekkers or bikers should be against big cars since there’s have been a large number of accounts where an irresponsible driver left others in a cloud of dust. These are the things that denigrate the image that the world has on anyone not driving a Mini Cooper.

It doesn’t take allot to improve it either. When you drive past someone who is on a bike or trekking, the least you can do is to slow down. If you really want to leave a good impression, you can stop and ask if they’re ok, if they need water and where they’re headed. It will literally take you 3 minutes to do this and, if you manage to leave a good impression they will present you as “the alternative” in any negative debate involving 4x4s.

Careful plotting of your route

More and more countries are limiting the access they give off road lovers on various public and private terrains due to the damage done by one or the other. Fortunately this has nothing to do with all the owners of 4x4 but rather with a small number who make a bad impression in the general number of people driving or owning a 4x4. For an enjoyable 4x4 experience, check beforehand that the route you’re planning to take is open to 4x4s and that you’re not trespassing on any private domain. It makes a lot of sense to plan your trip beforehand, even if this means taking the edge off the whole free roaming experience. Off road magazines in countries that are starting to give less rope to enthusiasts, like Britain, Germany or France, have started publishing amateur road books for everyone to enjoy. Monthly magazines take the time to send one writer or the other on a whirlwind adventure to write down and subsequently publish a route that would incorporate adventure, lovely landscapes and lead to a great day out.

Safety and Useful information

Never forget that whoever is in the car with you is your direct responsibility. Whether in the nearby forest or on an Asian expedition, being the driver means you have to take care of yourself and the people you’re with. We tend to forget that, but it’s of the utmost importance in any situation, remembering exactly what is asked of you and of your car. As part of being responsible is taking into account failure.

 

Off road cars break down. They do because they are used to their limits and as we all know, any system is only as good as it’s least resistant component. If you’re planning to drive in your country, whichever that is, try to look up off road forums. More often than not there will be a section where members from various areas offer their contact details in case any enthusiast gets stuck, breaks down or is generally in need of assistance. They do this because it’s a community, because by doing what you were doing before you got stuck you’re one of them. But also because there’s very few better excuses to skip work/house cleaning/grocery shopping than “a friend’s car broke down on a dirt road and I’ll go get him. That’s what friends are for at the end of the day right?”. Right indeed.