A driver wants to make a 90 degree left turn down a steep hill and cannot see the trail. The Trial Leader offers to spot, and stands to the left of the vehicle. He focuses on the front wheels. The vehicle begins to roll into the turn. Soon a loud scream is heard. It’s the spotter. Due to wheel cheat, the left rear tire ran over one of his feet.
Thankfully, this scenario is merely hypothetical. But it could happen. (Perhaps has at some time. I just don’t know of any cases.)
Trail Leaders wear a number of hats during an off-road excursion. That’s great. Every trip needs a leader. Sometimes, though, the Trail Leader is so focused on resolving an issue, that the leader overlooks basic safety needs for himself or herself. Fact is, the wellbeing of the Trail Leader is just as important as the wellbeing of everyone on that outing.
Two categories of hazards to Trail Leader
Hazards that Trail Leaders can face fall into two broad categories, situational awareness and personal health.
(Incidentally, this information applies to 4WD Instructors as well.)
Situational awareness, as the term suggests, means being cognizant of hazards inherent in that location. Knowing how to read a situation and anticipate how the vehicle will or may react once underway. Then making sure to be out of danger. Avoid situations that could result in colliding with or being dragged by the vehicle. Many of these accidents occur while spotting, like the scenario above. Here are a few more, with ways to avoid disaster.
• The vehicle is close to a large rock. Position yourself on the opposite side of the vehicle. Otherwise, you risk being pinned against the rock.
• The driver is trying to make a downhill turn on a snow-covered surface. Avoid standing in downhill path of the vehicle. It could slide into you. Maybe crush you against a tree.
• Maintain a healthy respect for a manual transmission. The vehicle could lurch if the clutch is released unexpectedly.
• Aways watch for wheel cheat and move to a better location.
Offering to help is commendable. But take a few moments to thoroughly assess the situation before proceeding. Visualize the outcome you’d like to see, but also imagine worst-case scenarios. In all cases, make sure you’re never in the path of the vehicle. Don’t stand behind a vehicle even when expecting it to move forward. The driver may put the vehicle in reverse.
Additional matters to consider:
• Some drivers get antsy and want to jump on the gas. Impress upon the other driver to maintain a slow speed.
• Imagine the driver will turn the wrong way, not follow instructions, or accelerate at the wrong time. Plan for any of these situations.
• Position yourself to avoid being run over or hit.
•Have the driver turn the vehicle off and set the emergency brake before you provide any assistance. That assistance could entail stacking rocks, doing repairs, or reaching into the vehicle to point out a control.
Stay out of the danger zone – and keep others out
Winching and recovery operations are especially hazardous. Trail Leaders must ensure that everyone stays outside the danger zone, sometimes called no-man’s zone.
Imagine lines extending at 45-degree angles from the winch and the front of the recovered vehicle. Carry those lines outward a distance equal to the length of the recovery strap/winch line in use. Connecting all the points results in a diamond-shaped area (or box-shaped, depending on perspective). Keep everyone outside that space.
Remember, also, that no one should be directly behind either vehicle.
Trail Leaders must take care of personal health
As group leader, the Trail Leader should be as mentally sharp as possible. It starts with a good night’s rest. If sick or taking a medication that makes you drowsy, bow out.
Stop when fatigued. Don’t push yourself merely to stay on schedule. Head for the closest campsite and call it a day.
Be sober – period. Refrain from drinking alcohol until back at camp. This applies to all drivers, of course.
Know when to call it quits. While on the Rubicon once, a gentleman I know asked if I could take over spotting. He said his arms were “just dragging.” The poor fellow had been spotting for nearly three full days. Waving your arms for long periods of time is surprisingly fatiguing.
Eat sufficiently to carry you throughout the day, and stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget something as basic as a water break when helping another driver out of a jam. On a hot day, you risk suffering heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke.
Protect against exposure to the sun. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and proper sunglasses, and apply sunscreen.
Wear gloves while stacking rocks, winching, using the Hi-Lift® jack, and other tools. Wear appropriate footwear and his-vis clothing.
Lead by example. Model the safety tips we preach.
Trail Leaders expect guests to adhere to the basic rules. But Trail Leaders must follow them as well. Some of those rules include:
• Wear the seat belt whenever the vehicle is in motion.
• Keep hands and feet inside the vehicle while driving.
• If playing music while driving, keep the volume low so you can monitor the two-way radio.
• Don’t leave an engine running when you exit the vehicle. Put the transmission in Park, set the emergency brake, and turn off the engine.
Leading a group of four-wheelers on an excursion can be a very rewarding experience. Those trips offer a rare opportunity to impart knowledge and wisdom about four-wheeling, as well as the area being explored. At times you can help those who encounter a breakdown or other hiccup along the way.
But Trail Leaders must be cognizant of their own wellbeing also. Be mindful of potential hazards while spotting, winching, and other tasks. Stay sharp physically and mentally so everyone enjoys their time on the trails.
# # #
Did you miss the previous articles?
2025
• 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 2025 schedule of clinics and adventures trips has been posted on the web site.
May 2025
May 3, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
May 4, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
May 3-4, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
May 6, 2025 Utah Adventure
May 25, 2025 Memorial Day Club Run
June 2025
June 14, 2025 Synthetic Rope Repair Mini Clinic – NEW!
June 21, 2025 Starting Rock Crawling
June 28, 2025 Dutch Oven Mini Clinic
July 2025
July 5, 2025 Independence Day Club Run
July 19, 2025 Starting Rock Crawling
July 26, 2025 Tire Repair and Hi Lift Mini Clinic – LA Area
August 2025
August 11, 2025 Rubicon Adventure
August 23, 2025 Sand Dune Off-Road Driving – Oceano Dunes
August 24, 2025 Self Recovery Clinic – Oceano Dunes
August 30, 2025 Labor Day Club Run
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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