7 Basic Off-Road Driving Rules

There are no mandatory rules of the law to obey off-road, away from civilization. At least not in many jurisdictions. We’re not a law firm, so we wouldn’t know. However, there are certain unwritten rules that you should follow if you want to stay safe during your off-road adventure.

With that said, here are a couple of rules to get you started on your next 4×4, ATV, UTV, or SUV off-roading experience. 

1. Observe Other Vehicles and People

Just like you need to pay attention to the road, you also need to pay attention off the road. Be courteous of other drivers and hikers. If you see someone struggling, don’t make their life harder by being rude. Keep proper distance between you and other drivers and hikers. Drop back further if there are multiple obstacles ahead. 

2. Look Behind From Time to Time

We don’t advise you to look back while going at high speeds. However, it’s a good idea to slow down and look behind from time to time for a few practical reasons. First, there’s the possibility of leakage. You may not realize it, but a slightly taller boulder might have hit your fuel pump or other components.

Secondly, you might have some parts that have fallen off and you might not realize it. If you have a UTV or ATV, it’s always a good idea to strap all your stuff carefully. For more information regarding this and what accessories you should use, you can take a look at some RAD Parts Honda Talon accessories.

3. Tell Other About Your Route

You never know when accidents might happen. That’s why it’s a good idea to have someone with you to grant you instant help and to also inform other people about your plans. This way, you might get the necessary help much faster than by trying to call 911 in an area where your phone signal might be weak.

Be sure to leave them detailed aspects regarding your trip, when you’ll be back, at what time you’re expected to be at location X, etc. For more extreme adventures, we also recommend taking someone far more experienced with you.

4. Always Stay In Contact

OK, so let’s say your phone signal is weak where you’re going, just as stated earlier. However, you still need to keep in contact with those you’re going on an adventure with. For that reason, we recommend using radios. Digital or analog – it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that your tools for communication work properly.

5. Know Your Vehicle!

We can’t stress this enough: you should know what you’re driving. Take your time to test your vehicle on light terrain so you can get a feel of how you should control it. Know that each model is at least a bit different, so there’s a slight learning curve even if you’re experienced with ATVs, UTVs, and other similar off-road contraptions.

6. Have a 4×4? Reducing Tire Pressure Will Increase Traction on Gravel and Sand.

For most 4-wheeling purposes, a tire pressure of 18 to 20psi will be adequate. Highway pressure is another consideration altogether. You should always look through the manufacturer’s instruction manual, however, to see what is the ideal off-road tire pressure for your vehicle.

7. Driving Diagonally Nets You a Rollover

Always drive straight when going downhill or on steep terrain. Driving diagonally is very dangerous in such situations. Be mindful of the terrain type at all times, and, if possible, take someone who has more experience than you to show you a few tricks to get out of a possible rollover situation.

The Bottom Line

These rules are important indeed. However, the most important thing to remember is to have common sense. Once you master that aspect, all the other rules of driving off-road safely will come almost naturally to you. 

We would also like to hear your thoughts on these rules. So leave us a comment down below with your opinion.