Compass Magazine

Knowing what you are doing is essential; so is preparation. You will need to have respect for the challenges you are sure to face, and you should also be conscious of just how fragile back country can be.

• To tell a driver to move forward, extend an open hand so the palm faces you. Fold in the thumb so the driver won’t think you are asking for a turn. Keep the fingers together and wave them inward over and over. • To tell a driver to reverse, extend one or both open hands so the palm faces the driver. Push toward the driver. Sometimes you can help the driver be safer by going to the back of the vehicle and directing from there. • To combine two signals, use one hand for the first signal and the other hand for the second signal. For example, one hand can indicate direction and the other one can indicate motion. If you want the driver to turn the wheels without moving, hold up a closed fist and use the second hand to point. 5. Refer to the driver side and the passenger side, not left or right. Drivers have their own set of rules for spotting: 1. Either ask for a spot or tell everyone that you don’t want a spotter. If the trail leader wants you to have a spot, however, it’s best to comply. 2. Lock on to your spotter. Do not pay attention to anyone else. 3. Move if the spotter directs

at www.treadlightly.org for more information. Sometimes the only way to get past an obstacle on the trail is to have someone’s help. Spotting prevents vehicles from getting damaged, and it can also prevent unnecessary trail delay. However, it is also an art that takes time and experience to acquire. For safety, stand in the driver’s direct line of sight and follow the rules: 1. See whether someone is already acting as a spotter. If so, your job is to be quiet unless the driver asks for your help. 2. If there is no spotter, then ask the driver first before you start issuing signals. Some people know their equipment so well they don’t need a spotter. Other people just don’t want one. 3. If you are going to be the spotter, take the time to talk to the driver and create a bond: “I’m going to spot you through this. Will you please focus on me and tune everything else out? 4. Go over the hand signals and make sure the driver understands them: • A closed fist means stop. • To turn right or left, use your index finger or your thumb to point to the correct direction. If the driver doesn’t turn far enough, use your finger or thumb to point and push in the correct direction at the same time.

Once you are out on the trail, remember the following: • Know the boundaries for the area you are in and stay on established paths. Not only could ruts made by your tires provide an argument for closing off an area, they can last for decades. Your vehicle might crush wildlife tunnels and excavations and might easily cause erosion as well. • Pack out whatever you pack in, even if it is a candy wrapper or a cigarette butt. • To get over an obstacle, pile up some stones to help you. Put them back when you are done. Spinning your tires chews up the surface crust and is another cause of erosion. • Leave wildlife alone. This is their home, and you should interfere with them as little as possible. • Go relatively slow. Driving slow is easier on the terrain and is less likely to do damage.. It’s a good idea to educate yourself as much as possible and also to consider investing in a class where you can learn the practical skills you need for four-wheel driving and how to communicate more effectively in different situations. Tread Lightly! is an educational program that promotes being responsible when four-wheeling. Visit the Tread Lightly! website

you, and stop if the spotter stops. Make sure the spotter understands this rule in advance.

21 U4WDA . COMPASS MAGAZINE