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Driving Off (road) into the Sunset

Sun Set
Great sunset unless it hinders your visibility.
It was a beautiful day in the San Bernardino Mountains. Clear blue sky, light breeze, warm temperature. A perfect day for four-wheeling on the 2N17X trail. This is a tough one—it’s rated black diamond. We were nearing the end of a long day of four-wheeling. We had encountered a lot of obstacles on this trail, and we were tired.

At about 4 p.m., we were climbing the final hill. Beyond that was an easy route to the highway, and a relaxing evening at home. This was no run-of-the-mill hill, though.

We were met with deep ruts and torn-up soil. Struggling to hold traction on the soft soil, we slowly crawled the long, very steep hill one at a time. At the bottom of the hill – bam! The setting sun blasted through our windshields like a blow torch. It took all the driving skills we had to remain on the line that ensured success. Unfortunately, one driver lost it half way up. Sliding sideways in soft soil on the trail edge, his Jeep JKUR ended up at right angles to the hill. Thankfully, the driver managed to stop his vehicle as it balanced sideways on the hill.

Encountering a blinding sunset off-road is just as jarring as it is in the city. Compounding that are the hazards we face: steep cliffs, large boulders, ditches, ruts, slopes, and blind curves, among others. Quick but proper reaction can mean the difference between a controlled stop and potential disaster. What would you do?



Simple Steps

There are some simple steps. But forge them into your mind now:
  • If you can’t see, stop. If other vehicles are behind you, warn them you are stopping. Get on the radio and let people behind you know what’s happening. At this point their vision is impaired as well. This is one reason why it’s handy to have 2-way radios in all vehicles.
  • Pull down the visor.
  • Put on your sunglasses.
  • Put your hat on (the right way with the brim in front).
  • Turn on your windshield washer. But be careful. This action actually cuts visibility for a short period, especially with exceptionally dirty windows.

100% Effort

If these simple actions do not improve your visibility get out and
  • Scrub the windshield even more if it needs it.
  • Walk the trail to determine the difficulty and risk factor as well as familiarizing yourself with it. Make sure to recon the area well. Does the trail continue straight, or is there a turn? What about obstacles?
  • If you have another person with you, have him get out and spot. Ideally, have your spotter stand so he blocks the sun from your eyes.
  • Using hand signal from your spotter, inch your way along until you see for yourself again. Eventually you will have moved such that the sun is no longer directly in your eyes.
  • As an alternative, if you can’t see your spotter well, give him a radio. The instructions may not be as precise, but at least you are getting directions from some who can see the trail.

Penultimate

Finally, in the worst case, wait for the sun to set. You still have the period of civil twilight (20-30 minutes) to get off-the trails. Or perhaps you get to experience the bonus night run!

(Incidentally, if you catch a bright sunrise one morning, the steps are similar. Oftentimes just waiting for the sun to rise higher does the trick.)

Final Thoughts

You’ll note that 2-way radios play a part in these situations. I recommend that all 4WD vehicles are equipped with 2-way radios when off road. Whether you use CB, FRS or ham radio, it’s important to stay in touch throughout the drive. Don’t rely on cell phones, as coverage is usually nonexistent.

Do some vehicle maintenance when you get home. Buy new windshield wipers if needed. If your windshield is all pitted from years of trail blasting, buy a new one. On Jeeps in particular they are relatively cheap.

The setting sun, which is beautiful out in the country, can be hazardous if it catches you at the wrong time. Learn how to react, and you’ll be back on your journey.
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Related Articles from Badlands Off-road Adventures

Did you miss the previous article?

Some Upcoming Events

(click on the link for details)


Rocks
Badlands Off-Road Adventures on Bull Frog Trail in Johnson Valley
Photo by The Adventure Portal
(Click picture for a larger image.)


Winter is the perfect time to visit the Mojave Desert in Southern California and get out of the cold & snow. But don't expect swim suit weather!
Check with us for special events in the first quarter. In February, we have a Sand & Dunes Class. In March Death Valley, Rocks, and winching are on the schedule. Later this month as you plan 2017 reserve time for one or more off-road events.
In March, we also are introducing a our Self-Recovery Clinic. Check it out with the link below.

We plan to schedule a number of Tire repair clinics once we find room for them. Send us an email if you want to be put on a wait list.


Summary of upcoming events.


Yellow is sold out

Winching Recover Bandana
Click for higher resolution image
Yellow is sold out!

The Orange and Red went fast last time with blue not far behind so if you want a specific color order now while we have them all available.

The Bandana layout follows the “Vehicle Recovery Plan” with pathways to more detail. A unique section of the Bandana, gives the steps for a “Winch Rigging Check: Walk through” so that you verify every element of the rigging before you commit to the pull.

Stuff this in your recovery kit and you will always be ready.

Warning – the Bandana is not a substitute for proper training and use of quality equipment used within the bounds of their safe working load. We advise you to use the information provided in the Winching Recovery Bandana at your own risk. We cannot control the quality and specifications of the equipment used and the methods actually employed.

The original press release with larger graphics is on the website

73
KI6FHA
I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
http://www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
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Copyright 2017, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.

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