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Off-road riding is exciting but challenging. Whether you’re on a motorcycle navigating a rocky trail or an ATV on shifting dunes, you need heightened awareness and a specialised approach. Unlike highway driving, uneven surfaces demand different skills. Safety here is about more than experience—it requires careful preparation and understanding of the environment. Outlined below are five strategies that help riders and drivers maintain safety and control on unpredictable terrain.
Mastering Active Body Positioning
While highway riding allows the rider to remain relatively still, uneven terrain calls for an active approach. Motorcyclists benefit from standing on the footpegs rather than sitting, which separates the rider’s body from the direct jolts of the bike, letting the machine maneuver beneath them. In a similar way, ATV riders must adjust their posture, leaning into turns and moving their weight forward on steep inclines to preserve grip and balance. A flexible, loose posture helps absorb shocks and keeps the operator prepared for sudden changes under the vehicle.
Practising Proper Vision and Forward Scanning
Many accidents on rough ground stem from target fixation, where riders focus on specific obstacles and inadvertently steer toward them. The safest method is to look ahead, scanning for upcoming hazards and paying attention to where the path leads rather than the ground just in front of the vehicle. Looking ahead through turns allows for early decision-making and smooth adjustments, offering more time to respond to unexpected dips or loose patches in the trail.
Pursuing Specialised Training
A traditional driver’s license or highway experience does not automatically prepare individuals for the off-road environment. Surfaces such as loose gravel, dirt, and mud handle differently and present their own challenges. Enrolling in a professional off-road course greatly increases safety. Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman emphasised the value of preparation in Long Way Round. Before their cross-continental motorcycle journey, they completed intensive off-road training to tackle Mongolia’s and Siberia’s unpaved tracks, which was crucial despite their experience on paved roads.
Maintaining Momentum and Throttle Control
Abrupt or harsh inputs—such as sudden braking or rapid throttle use—can cause a loss of traction on soft or uneven surfaces. To avoid falls and slides, it is safer to use even, progressive motions when steering or adjusting speed. Keeping consistent momentum can actually lend stability, as the spinning wheels help to balance the vehicle. However, this momentum must remain within safe limits and be managed by careful throttle control, which allows the tires to maintain a reliable grip.
Wearing Comprehensive Protective Gear
Equipment designed for street riding may not offer enough protection for off-road use, where the risks include debris, tree branches, and hard impacts. Riders should select a full-face helmet with goggles to shield against dust and small objects. Off-road boots with sturdy ankle support help prevent injuries when unexpectedly stepping onto rough ground. Additional protection, such as knee braces, chestguards, and abrasion-resistant clothing, can prevent serious injury and keep minor spills from turning into major setbacks.
David Vepraskas demonstrates the value of preparation and resilience through his leadership in the construction industry. Away from the office, David Vepraskas Gainesville is an avid outdoorsman and an enthusiast of motorcycles and off-road vehicles. Safe off-road travel depends on skill, planning, and proper equipment. By practising active body positioning, looking ahead, managing momentum, getting training, and wearing protective gear, riders can enjoy the adventure while minimising risk.
