Safety & Training

 
Safety Information/Recommended Equipment

General Safety Guidelines

Be prepared
Be prepared! Follow safety guidelines, wear protective gear, and allows bring plenty of water. (Photo courtesy of Larry Burns.)
  • Water, water, and more water!
  • Tell a responsible person where you are traveling and when you will be returning.
  • Do not go alone. Consider riding with a club.
  • Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
  • Supervise riders younger than 16. Parents are responsible for their children’s safety.
  • Know your vehicle. Read the owner’s manual.
  • Check your vehicle before each trip.
  • Take an off-highway vehicle safety and mechanical training class.

Wear Protective Gear (as appropriate for your OHV)

  • U.S. DOT approved helmet
  • Eye protection
  • Gloves
  • Long-sleeved shirt/jacket
  • Over-the-ankle boots
  • Long pants

Survival in Arizona

  • Tell friends and family where you're going and when you plan to return.
  • Avoid camouflage clothing.
  • Carry a bright trash bag or a silver-sided space blanket.
  • Equip your tow vehicle with a survival kit, with extra water stowed. Check fan belts, hoses, coolant level, and all lubricants and fluids. Make sure the jack is working properly.
  • Carry extra water, a flashlight, blankets, flares, first-aid kit, cell phone and snacks.
  • Extra clothing, such as rain gear, sweater and pants.
  • Sun protection: Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • A sharp pocketknife and water purification tablets.
  • Waterproof matches, lighter, magnesium bar and flint.
  • And remember water, water, water.

Download Safety Checklist (PDF Document 49 KB PDF)

 
Backcountry Survival

Backcountry Survival
When traveling backcountry throughout Arizona, we all have a responsibility to the environment, to others and ourselves. Practice minimum impact and common courtesy.

Using the backcountry for solitude, recreation, and adventure is an Arizona tradition going back hundreds of years. Everyone using the state’s public lands should do their part to ensure that these lands remain available to future generations to enjoy. Many areas attract a variety of different kinds of backcountry users. Regardless of what mode of travel you choose, we all have a responsibility to the environment, to others and ourselves. Practice minimum impact and common courtesy.

Planning and common sense will improve your backcountry experience. Travel within the ability of your equipment and your fitness to handle changing weather conditions. Use only trails and routes that you know are legally open, and dry enough to be suitable for travel. By choosing your time to use the backcountry, such as early morning or weekdays, you can avoid crowds in high-use areas.

Common courtesy will go a long way toward insuring a pleasant experience for others as well as yourself. Good practices on the trail and in camp preserve the environment and our privilege of continuing to enjoy our backcountry areas.

The guidelines below were developed primarily for those who venture on to roads less traveled with a four-wheel drive. However, these guidelines also apply to anyone who travels into the backcountry, even where four wheel drive is not necessary.

Backcountry Travel Tips

  • Backcountry OHVingAlways tell a responsible person where you’re traveling and when you’ll return. Give them a specific map, if possible.
  • Don’t go alone. Two heads are always better than one and so are two backs if labor is required to free a stuck vehicle. A second person also can be a great help guiding a driver through tight spots. If the trip will be extremely difficult, try to take two vehicles. Two vehicles can get one another out of bad jams.
  • Water, water, water. Take at least 1 gallon per day, per person, as well as 5 extra gallons. If all else fails, at least you can stay in good condition for several days with enough water.
  • Someone must stay with the vehicle if it’s stuck. A vehicle is much easier to find than a person on foot. Walk out for help only if you know exactly where you are and how far it is to help.
  • Know your vehicle. Try out your vehicle in easy places until you know it well. Take a four-wheeling class. Read the owner’s manual. Use common sense. If a road looks too tough for your skills, it probably is. If you get in a bind, don’t panic. Stop the vehicle, get out and explore a little. Your good sense often will tell you how to get out.

 
ATV Vehicle Training

OHV Training
Proper Vehicle Training is recommended for all users. Parents are responsible for their children's safety. Make sure your kids ride with only approved safety equipment and have been trained to ride.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
The ATV Safety Institute External Link ATV RiderCourse provides hands-on training in basic techniques for riding an all-terrain vehicle. If you recently purchased a new ATV, you may be eligible for Free Training. For a training center near you, call the nationwide toll-free number (800) 887-2887 or visit their website. External Link

For a variety of ATV educational materials including "Tips & Best Practices" visit the ATV Safety Institute's online library. External Link

Off-Highway Motorcycles
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) DirtBike School provides hands-on off-highway motorcycle rider training with an emphasis on safety and skill development. For a training center near you, call the nationwide toll-free number (877) 288-7093 or visit their website. External Link

Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
The Arizona State Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc (ASA4WDC) provides a 4x4 Safety and Awareness  Program that is sanctioned under the United Four Wheel Drive Association External Link (UFWDA). For more information, visit the ASA4WDC website their website. External Link

 
Children and ATVs

Youth ATVs are only intended for one operator with no passenger. Children should NOT ride adult ATVs. Parents are responsible for their childrens' safety. Make sure your kids ride with only appropriate safety equipment.

 
Ride the Proper Size ATV

Visit the ATV Safety Institute External Link. There are ATVs designed for children. Always follow manufacturer minimum age recommendations. Supervise children under 16.

 
Alcohol and Other Drugs

OHV Laws enforced
It's illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Use your judgment and sharp reflexes while riding or driving. Don’t drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The operation of an off-highway vehicle requires skill and good judgement. Drugs and alcohol impair both. You become a danger to yourself and others when you operate your OHV and take drugs or drink alcohol. Laws regarding DUI apply everywhere in the state, even if you are on a backcountry trail. And, the penalties are the same, including jail and the loss of your driver's license. It's dangerous and illegal!

 
Accident Reporting

Contact local police or county sheriff to report an accident. Download contains local Police and Sheriff's phone numbers.

Download Know Before You Go (PDF Document 40 KB PDF)

 
OHV Course

Coming Soon

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