Off-Road Driving & Safety Tips

Re-tire to succeed.
Even the most technologically advanced four-wheel-drive system can’t make up for tires that are not meant for the job or lack adequate tread depth. Some original equipment tires on SUVs and pickups can’t conquer anything more rigorous than wet grass. Also, even the best mud tires become useless off road well before they run out of tread.

Help yourself.
If you’re planning to regularly travel the road less paved, bring along some things that’ll help you out of small jams: a hand winch (a.k.a. “come-along”), tow strap, high-lift jack, shovel, some wood blocks, and a first-aid kit. If you’re going further than you can walk out, bring enough stuff (extra clothes, water, sleeping bag) to survive until somebody finds you.

Tell somebody.
Tell somebody where you’re going and when you expect to be back. At least they’ll know when and where to start searching.


I got out of that ancient incident unscathed, largely because within a short hike there was a tractor with the keys in it and a long chain. Bringing along some luck never hurts.

About the Author
Mac Demere is a writer, vehicle tester and race driver who competed in the NASCAR Southwest Tour and Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona.