Few things in life can match the thrill and exhilaration of off-roading in rough terrain. The intersection of man, machine and nature is truly a spectacular experience that can inspire and thrill. Take all those emotions and magnify them when it comes to off-roading at night. The opportunity to see nature in a whole different light, or absence thereof, coupled with a hint of danger, takes the entire experience to another level. Night off-roading is definitely not for the faint-hearted, and it is critical to adequately prepare so you can achieve maximum enjoyment and stay safe. Here are a few tips for how to do just that:
The Light Fantastic
Obviously, it’s dark out, so your visibility is limited to what your lights illuminate. For the best experience, you can’t go past LED light bars for the quality of light and the spread that will maximise your field of vision. The more you can see, the more there is to enjoy, and the fewer surprises lurk in the shadows to run you into trouble. LED light bars are certainly not cheap. However, for what they deliver in terms of quality and safety, I can assure you that they are worth every penny. For the best results, pair up your light bar with some great quality spotlights. The combination of wide arc and focused illumination will give you maximum visibility so you can get the most out of your drive.
Scope it Out
That shadow just beyond your lights’ range could be a tree stump; it could be a pot hole, it could be a ledge. If you’re not familiar with the terrain and the potential hazards, you are taking an unacceptable risk. To fully enjoy the thrill, without the threat of a potentially devastating accident, make sure that you drive the terrain beforehand while it is still light. This will allow you to learn about what you will be facing, so you can let it rip with confidence once the sun goes down.
A Friend in Need
Night off-roading should never be attempted solo. Driving in groups will not only help you in the case of unforeseen difficulties, but the combined light from multiple vehicles will provide enhanced visibility and aid you to avoid trouble from the outset. Furthermore, two or more heads are most certainly better than one when it comes to memorizing the terrain, especially if one or more of the members of the group have driven it before.
Back Up Plan
Even with the most meticulous preparation, things can and do go wrong. Your greatest risk is simply getting lost in the dark, so make sure that your GPS is working well and you have a functioning radio to call in help if needed, as you will probably not have cell phone coverage. Should you find yourself having to wait it out until day break, make sure you have warm clothes and a supply of food and water sufficient to get you through the night. Even in summer, you might be surprised at how low temperatures can drop in some regions. If you get stuck or bogged, then ensuring that you have a winch will allow one of your buddies to pull you out.
Off-roading at night is most certainly not for the faint-hearted. However, if you follow these tips, make sure you are well prepared and properly equipped, you will be in for the time of your life. Happy and safe driving!
