THE BASIC RULES FOR OFF ROAD DRIVING
Going down the sand dunes / Rocky terrain is just as intimidating as going up & down on a roller coaster.
The following are some basic rules:
Always drive straight down on a slope, not the tangent descent.
Do not use brakes on a steep slope - the act of braking transfers the weight, which will dig into the sand or stall in the rocks. The rear of the vehicle becomes lighter and will have a tendency to slide sideways and the risk of overturning is very real.
Never try to coast down a slope in neutral or with the clutch pedal depressed. The soft sand / rocky pebbels will not allow the vehicle to roll forward and it may start to slide sideways and roll over.
Always be in gear and drive down a slope with the engine pulling the vehicle. The choice of gear is very important - if you are in high range your speed may increase too much and may be tempted to use the brakes - with disastrous results. It is better to select low second or third gear for the descent. If your speed is too high, all you have to do is lift off the accelerator pedal and engine braking comes into effect.
Getting stuck is probably the most common and embarrassing situation off-road drivers find themselves in. Which is why certain equipment must be brought along in order to unstuck a vehicle. The good old reliable shovel, a strong recovery or tow rope, a three-or-five-pound hammer, crowbar, tyre pressure gauge, air jack or hi-lift jack, and tool kit are all necessary.
There are several techniques to get your 4WD unstuck - forward and backward movement of the 4WD, lightening the load, pushing or rocking, creating ramps, steady pulling, and lifting and filling. If any of these do not work, recovery by towing or winching would be the last resort.
At every stage of off-road driving, safety is of utmost importance. In fact, it can never be over-emphasised. Preparing your 4WD is just as important as taking care of your personal requirements. For instance, adequate water supplies, especially during the summer, are absolutely vital. The official recommendation is 10 litres of liquid per person.
Other sensible safety precautions to take in order to avoid emergencies or any untoward incidents, says an off-road expert, are the following:
Never venture out on your own, always move at least with a minimum of two vehicles - three is the ideal number.
Tell other people where you are going and when you are expected back.
If your vehicle does break down, never walk away from the vehicle. If you are a hundred metres from the highway, you could risk it, but if you are in the desert, and you're not sure where you are, never walk away from the vehicle thinking you are in the right direction.
Stay with the vehicle - it offers shade and greater chances of survival, than if you start wandering around in the desert. Furthermore, your 4WD is likely to be seen or located faster by a rescue team.
Make sure you have proper means of communication - a mobile phone or radio. Carry a necessary medical emergency kit for first aid.
As much as possible, be familiar with the geography of the area that you are driving into.
Wear your seat belts.
The exhilarating challenges, combined with the unmatched enjoyment of off-road driving adventure, make it a worthwhile endeavour for everyone - whether an expert or a beginner. After all, it's about communing with nature and dealing with its forces!