Off road driving is a very different
driving skill and until you have had a go and perhaps got it wrong it is
difficult to appreciate what the difference is between driving on a road and
then an unmade track. Although it is a very logical way of driving off road
driving requires a different thought process to how you would drive on the road.
Whether you have been driving for 5yrs or 25 yrs you have built up
instincts and reactions on the road. Now this transpires itself when something
starts to go wrong - for example going round a sharp left hand bend in wet
conditions - you are cornering slightly too fast and the back of the vehicle
starts to slide out! To try and prevent losing control you would steer
into the slide. I would suggest that you wouldn’t have to think about
that because your reactions and instincts cut in and you just do it.
Unfortunately if you rely on those same instincts when driving off road
there is a good chance that you may do entirely the wrong thing and the result
could be quite serious. What would happen on a side slope if the vehicle
started to tip over, what would you do? You are probably thinking that’s
easy I would steer away from the slope. Logical, yes. If it was actually
happening to you though I wouldn’t mind betting that your road driving reactions
would step in and say "no turn in the opposite direction to the way it’s
rolling" which would make the situation much worse resulting in a damaged
vehicle and possible personal injury.
There are a combination of things which go together to increase driver
skills and vehicle performance. Training drivers in these skills is
vital. In fact it is the responsibility of any employer or business user under
Health and Safety legislation and PUWER (Provision and use of equipment
regulations 1992) If an employee or individual causes an accident resulting in
personal injury or third party injury then the first question asked will be,
Were they trained in the correct use of that vehicle? If so when? Where is the
certificate of training? It is not only off road driving, very often these
vehicles are used for towing heavy trailers… another skill. All wheel
drive vehicles are likely to be fitted with electric or hydraulic winches
for the purposes of self recovery or vehicle recovery in general.
Training is essential for all aspects of all terrain vehicles. Think long
term it can reduce the risk of accidents, reduce vehicle down time and
repair costs and maximize output
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Where do you start?
For a start don’t over estimate the capability of your All wheel drive
vehicle. It is very important that you read and understand the handbook of the
vehicle that you drive, so that you are fully aware of it's technical
information, weights, features, it's limitations and safety considerations. The
vehicle has all terrain capability, it doesn't mean that because it is
All wheel drive it will go anywhere in any conditions. Poor judgment can result
in personal injury and loss of vehicle use.
Get to know your vehicle well, appreciate the benefits or downsides to
whether it is a petrol or a diesel engine, manual or automatic gearbox, Full
time or Part time transmission or maybe it’s a bit of both! Are there any
additional traction aids, mechanical diff locks, traction control, limited slip
diffs etc. How do they work when do you use them or are they automatically
engaged. What type of suspension is fitted, what are the limitations.
Jacking, lashing and recovery points. In addition to the vehicle itself what
is the Gross weight of trailer it can tow? What is the nose weight
of the trailer? The axle weights. If you are fitting a winch what size is
suitable?
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Tyres
The type of tyre that is fitted to your vehicle will probably influence it's
ability more than any other factor.
It stands to reason that if you are trying to negotiate a wet, soft field
where traction is difficult on a standard road tyre, then you are
not going to get good grip. This is because the fine grooves of the tyre
fill with mud and therefore wont allow the tyre to bite. It would be like
driving on a set of slicks! However, drive into that same field with an
aggressive tyres, where the tread pattern is much more open and also has
lugs on the side wall, you will find that they are less likely to fill with mud
and so they can do the job intended, grip! With this in mind it is
important to know the limitations that tyres give you.
Unfortunately it is not possible to have the perfect tyre for on and off
road use because of the nature of the surfaces to be driven on. A compromise
often used is an "All terrain" This type of tyre offers slightly better off road
grip without adversely affecting it's on road characteristics. But it is not
that good off road or that good on! In relation to a tyre specifically designed
for each purpose.
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Physical Shape
This may have a dramatic affect on what you can do with your vehicle. Is the
length of the wheelbase going to be an issue? It may affect
maneuverability and the Ramp breakover angle. Consider if there is a
large overhang of bodywork behind the rear wheels and a tow bar fitted.
This can seriously affect the vehicle departure angle causing reduced
ability over rough terrain and potential vehicle damage. What is
likely to be the first point of contact with the ground at the front approach
angle of the vehicle.
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Vehicle preparation
If a vehicle is used in conditions other than just normal road driving then
pre driving checks are vital to help prevent unwanted breakdowns.
Always refer to the manufacturers handbook, some vehicles may require
special preparation, for example wading plugs.
Plan your journey and the things that could go wrong and prepare your
vehicle accordingly. Consider what you may need to take with you for example
first aid kits, fire extinguishers and methods of communication may
be essential if you are miles from the nearest village.
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Risk Assessments
You can't avoid accidents these days. Why? Inevitably accidents do
happen from time to time but very often a bit of careful thought and logic
before you attempt something may save an injury or damage.
Although your business may require you to document any risk involved and
counter measures taken, sometimes a mental risk assessment before jumping in
is enough. Don’t just drive into an obstacle blind. Have a look first. Is my
vehicle capable of driving it? Where does the track go, any run off
areas? Surface condition? Unsighted obstacles and hazards.
Decide on all the potential risks, are you going to accept them? Don’t
be afraid to say NO. Ok now plan how you are going to drive if all goes well but
also plan how you are going to drive if something starts to go wrong. For
example misjudging track surface and the vehicle starting to slide
(toboggan) out of control.
If you have a logical risk assessment procedure for every situation
then it will dramatically reduce the risks involved.
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Driving techniques
Make sure you know and understand how to drive safely down a hill
using the features of your vehicle and at the correct angle. The same goes for
driving up also practice what to do if you don’t make it to the top (Failed
hill climb ) Sideslopes, best avoided if possible but know where to
drive on the slope and at what speed, consider any variables that may affect
vehicle stability for example roof racks and luggage. Other hazards and
obstacles may include,......
water, ruts, ridges, ditches, potholes, gulleys, boggy
ground, rock crawl, sand and shingle, fallen trees etc etc. Practice how to
drive them in a safe environment first before trying them out in the real world!
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Post driving checks
Driving off road in difficult ground conditions, places extreme
demands on your vehicle capabilities and in turn your vehicle components.
Even though your 4x4 may be designed to tackle the most challenging
terrain it still needs looking after. In addition yours and other peoples
personal safety may be at stake. The most essential time is immediately after an
off road foray because the vehicle will probably be expected to go back
on to the road and drive at normal road speeds.
Have you ever thought about how much weight is added to your wheel rim when a
new tyre is fitted to balance it? Not much. So how is your vehicle going to
behave with several pounds of mud on the inside or outside of the wheel rim? At
best it is going to vibrate, but most probably when you get up to speed, it's
likely to turn into an uncontrollable wobble which in turn can cause failure of
other components such as wheel bearings or trac rod ends. Spending five minutes
cleaning the mud off before going back on to the road can prevent this. A
full pressure wash at the earliest opportunity is strongly recommended!
The above paragraph is just an example of an area of the vehicle that needs
attention after driving off road. Consider the type of terrain that you have
just driven and the components that may be affected. Follow any guidelines to
servicing in your vehicle handbook you will probably find that the service
requirements are greater and more frequent.
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The environment
A small minority of 4x4 users have unfortunately gained a bad reputation in
the eyes of the general public for perhaps driving their vehicles where
they shouldn’t and in such a way that does not respect the land or other people.
It is essential that if you are taking your vehicle off the highway that you
have the relevant permission from the land owners to be where you are. If you
are driving a byway or road used as a public path please check
that you have a legal right to be there. A quick call to the local council
rights of way office would normally confirm this.
When you are on these
tracks drive in a way that you only do the minimum required to pass over the
ground with the least amount of wheel spin and engine revs. Any damage caused to
the ground should ideally be repaired, it wont repair itself! The time of year
and weather conditions will obviously have a big affect on this. There is also
likely to be other users of the track (Non motorized) so respect them as
well. Although it is appreciated that the amount of tracks that can be driven by
a motorized vehicle is very small in comparison to footpaths and bridle paths it
is essential that everyone works together to promote responsible use of
byways and private ground. If that doesn’t happen we are likely to
lose the right to drive them altogether.
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True Grip Driver Training Ltd
Provide tuition courses that cover all aspects of the above subjects and
the content and duration can be adjusted to suit an enthusiast or
professional user. This includes Off road driving, towing and trailer
courses and Health and Safety and Risk management in winching.
