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Off-Road Hand Signals/Trail Etiquette

Discussion in 'Outdoors' started by TRDFerguson, Mar 28, 2021.

  1. Mar 28, 2021 at 10:59 AM
    #31
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    Thanks! I think it's turning into some pretty good discussion. I updated the title since we're getting more useful info past just hand signals.
     
  2. Mar 28, 2021 at 11:01 AM
    #32
    Terndrerrr

    Terndrerrr guzzling dealer repellent

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    I’ve thought about getting a sxs. My kids would love it. But everyone I know says the trails and off road parks are always full of people who have no trail etiquette and no interest in learning.

    This is part of what I love about backpacking. It’s much harder to find any people at all out in the middle of nowhere on foot, particularly in wilderness areas with no trails at all.
     
  3. Mar 28, 2021 at 11:07 AM
    #33
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    I'm in the same boat where I'm thinking about getting a sxs at some point. It's much easier to get through rough trails on those things.

    For now, I really like getting out in my truck and just being in the middle of nowhere. Arizona has enough trails that I haven't had to rely on the popular ones that are always crowded, but I would definitely be weary if I wanted to rip around one of those when my kid is with me.
     
    Terndrerrr[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. Mar 28, 2021 at 11:29 AM
    #34
    Backslider

    Backslider Thirsty...

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    The pull over and let faster traffic pass rule is totally underrated. I remember first having my license and exploring the hell out of AF Canyon, I know probably 95% of the little dirt roads out there.

    It used to be so common that you would pull over and let traffic pass, and everyone who passed got a little wave.. nowadays people just seem so oblivious that there are other humans that exist. No one allows others to pass, no more waves.. just a bunch of strangers ignoring each other.

    Another thing people don't seem to realize anymore is that uphill traffic should have the right of way. That means if you're headed down hill on a narrow trail and encounter a vehicle, you should be the one pulling over to allow the uphill oriented vehicle to pass. Exceptions are when there is a clear and convenient pullover spot for the uphill traveler or when they just take the initiative and pull over.

    ETA: I just noticed this actually is mentioned in the fine print on your notice. Whoops.
     
  5. Mar 28, 2021 at 11:30 AM
    #35
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    Another thing I read this morning, that probably also falls into the common sense realm but I'm just ignorant, is when leading a group, make sure to stop every hour give or take so everyone can catch up, hydrate, check gear, etc. And more importantly, stop after the first 15 minutes or so, in case there's an issue after leaving the staging area. I'd hate for my jack tie downs to come lose and that shit is just bouncing around in my bed for an hour.
     
  6. Mar 28, 2021 at 11:32 AM
    #36
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Hail to the King, Baby.

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  7. Mar 28, 2021 at 12:54 PM
    #37
    dsotm

    dsotm New Member

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    Seems like out here having no trail etiquette is a prerequisite for owning a sxs
     
  8. Mar 29, 2021 at 6:53 AM
    #38
    Wahayes

    Wahayes Older I get the wiser I realize my dad was

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    TRDFerguson[OP] likes this.
  9. Mar 29, 2021 at 7:28 AM
    #39
    snivilous

    snivilous snivspeedshop.com

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    I was gonna comment this, I don't know if I've found literally anyone who knows uphill has right of way (since they're fighting gravity where ever they go). Usually I end up pulling over either way, since if they don't know that they probably can't wheel very well and can't get out of the way in the first place.
     
  10. Mar 29, 2021 at 8:35 AM
    #40
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    Yeah, a loooong time, goes back to horse drawn carriages.
     
    joonbug likes this.
  11. Mar 29, 2021 at 8:48 AM
    #41
    Darkness

    Darkness Allergic to white

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    I wish similar rules applied when walking through a crowded area.
     
  12. Sep 30, 2021 at 10:41 AM
    #42
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

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    Common?!?

    On a recent drive through the San Juan passes I saw SXS everywhere. Almost without exception not only did they not yield to uphill travel, fail to signal numbers in the group, etc., they barely even slowed down or moved to the edge of the road (which, granted, might have had a 200 foot drop).

    As for marketing: there were parking lots full of them for the day trippers coming through Lake City, Silverton, etc. Just regular tourists who want the off-road RAZR experience. There is no way they were remotely trained or experienced. What, do they get a pamphlet (which they then wad up and ignore)?!

    I saw small children, standing up between the front seats, without a helmet, as one of many "omfgwtf" examples.

    Was camping one night in southern Colorado. Well after dark, in the silence of the high pass area, I heard some bumpin' bass and saw flashing lights... it was a RAZR blasting along the road (fast gravel) with all kinds of LEDs, and the (bad) music blaring. A few minutes later it came back so I could hear the second verse.

    The vast majority of people I encounter on the trails of Utah, Arizona, and Colorado do not do any of the things we've been discussing here. Usually yielding does happen as makes sense, at least with regular vehicles. SXS really rarely even slowed down, although some did do things properly. Sometimes I get hand signals, but so rarely that it's usually meaningless.

    And there are so many people out there right now that it is kinda useless anyhow: so what if you know that was the last person in that group, there is probably another group right behind them.

    Sorry, this is a rant rather than an answer to the question.
     
    BlueRibbon4x4 likes this.

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