AI (artificial intelligence) is involved in many facets of life. Common folks use it to help with everyday tasks. Businesses, even manufacturers, are incorporating AI in their operations.
To those who suggest bringing AI into four-wheeling, I say, “Whoa, Nelly!” AI, if developed to the extent some envision, could actually be bad for four-wheelers.
Some “smart” technology already in vehicles
While vehicles don’t have an AI button, many high-tech features exist. Think of the cameras, sensors and dashboard display that are standard equipment. Other options include anti-skid and auto braking.
These features are useful and add an element of safety to driving. No argument there.
But drivers shouldn’t rely entirely on technology. Everyone should stay sharp on basic driving skills. And we definitely don’t need drivers fixated on the dashboard screen while trying to navigate a trail. (I’ve seen it.) Smartphones offer enough distraction.
Why we go four-wheeling
There are myriad reasons for going off-road. Four-wheeling takes us to secluded campsites, fishing holes and hunting camps. To beautiful vistas and overlooks. To old mines, ghost towns and other historical venues.
In a nutshell, four-wheeling allows us to experience adventures we otherwise wouldn’t while staying in the city.
Why we like challenges
Humans derive satisfaction from solving a problem or overcoming a challenge. That is so true with four-wheeling. Climb a steep hill, navigate through a series of ruts or moguls, deftly slip past a rock-strewn road…The opportunities are nearly limitless. All build confidence and reward with a sense of accomplishment.
Success comes through an understanding of your vehicle’s characteristics and its behavior, some learned techniques, and a lot of experience.
Even modest challenges make us better drivers. Many four-wheelers say that tackling those obstacles is the fun part. They prefer routes that test their knowledge and skills.
AI technology could threaten basic skill sets
What does all this have to do with AI in the vehicle? Plenty.
Taken to the extreme, off-road skills would deteriorate as drivers steadily rely more on AI technology.
Let’s say you encounter an obstacle on a trail. You push the AI button, and instantly the system charts a course and engages the vehicle. Using the camera feed, the software processes the data and decides on a particular course of action.
Sounds OK, right? Are you sure your tires will go where they should? Remember that the software relies on imagery from the camera(s). That video is of limited value, because the camera tends to “flatten” the terrain. Boulders and rocks appear much shorter than they are.
Once on the move, would the vehicle attain proper speed and direction? Could it react quickly to a sudden change in the terrain?
Four-wheel drive vehicles are pretty “smart” already. They can automatically adjust throttle speed, change the transmission shift points, and adjust the hydraulic modulators, to name a few features. We’re not quite to the sophistication of the Mars rover, but we’re getting there.
The human mind is far more powerful and reliable. Take the brain out of the equation, and basic skills will decline. Just as a muscle goes weak if not exercised, driving instincts will dull if AI is allowed to make all the decisions.
Important to keep those basic skills sharp
Let’s say that technology fails one day. Will drivers be able to cope and continue on?
In my training class, I have students drive the “old school” way (sans technology) in one part. This lesson has them back down a hill using just the mirrors for guidance. They must use 4 Low, brakes and some accelerator. It’s an interesting exercise.
Let’s look at another possibility: Suppose someone is injured badly off-road and needs to be helicoptered out. His or her vehicle must be driven out. If it has a manual transmission, could you drive it? This isn’t an AI issue as much as one of fundamentals. Skills that aren’t tested from time to time get rusty. And that’s my concern.
Let’s nip the AI button in the bud
While we may not be able to prevent the AI button from appearing one day, we should still take a stand against it. AI technology would remove too much of the human component, such as the need for constant decision-making. Decision-making hones our skills and keeps the four-wheeling experience enjoyable. As noted above, facing obstacles on the trails is enjoyable – and rewarding. What’s the point of four-wheeling if there’s nothing to do?
Say “no” to AI – at least in 4WD vehicles.
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Did you miss the previous 2025 articles?
2025
- 2025-10-09 Ashley Want’s to do the Rubicon
- 2025-09-14 “You can’t get through” he said.
- 2025-08-07 Tow Bar Invaluable For Four Wheeling
- 2025-07-18 Valuable Hacks for Tent Camping
- 2025-06-10 8 Valuable Hacks For Four-Wheeling And Camping
- 2025-05-26 10 Concepts For Responsible Four-Wheeling
- 2025-04-15 Trail Safety
- 2025-03-22 Wheel Cheat: What It Is and How to Avoid It
- 2025-02-09 How to Quickly Escape a Natural Disaster
- 2025-01-14 Be A Hit At Camp With A Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
Some Upcoming Events (click on the link for details)
The first quarter of 2026 schedule of clinics and adventures trips has been posted on the web site.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates are available as Christmas gifts. Use this link to purchase a gift certificate.
https://www.4x4training.com/w/product/gift-certificate/
We will email you a certificate you can print out. When the recipient calls to schedule the clinic, we will send detailed information for the venue and date selected.
Alternatively, you can select a clinic and register the recipient. Use your email address and make a note that this is a surprise gift. We will send the confirmation to you to print out and present. The date can be rescheduled later if necessary.
Trip in 2026
If you are interested in Death Valley, the Rubicon trip and a trip to Utah in May 2026, prior to the first of the year send me an email to put you on the roster. You will be able to register on the web site after the 1st of the year.
November 2025
November 1, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
November 2, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
November 1-2, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
November 5, 2025 SEMA Trade Show
November 15, 2025 AWD Off-Road Driving & Safety Clinic
November 22, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
November 23, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
November 22-23, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
November 29, 2025 Turkey Day Club Run
December 2025
December 6, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
December 7, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
December 6-7, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
December 13, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
December 14, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
December 13-14, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
December 29, 2025 Saline Valley New Years Club Run
January 2026
January 10, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road – LA Area
January 11, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road – LA Area
January 10-11, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
January 17, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
January 18, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road – SD Area
January 17-18, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
January 24, 2026 Sand Dune Off-Road Driving – Oceano Dunes
January 25, 2026 Self Recovery Clinic – LA Area
January 31, 2026 AWD Off-Road Driving & Safety Clinic
February 2026
February 7, 2026 Starting Rock Crawling
February 21, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road – LA Area
February 22, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road – LA Area
February 21-22, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
February 21, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
February 22, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
February 21-22, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
February 28, 2026 Winching Clinic – LA Area
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
www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
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Copyright 2025, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.
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