It seems somewhat ironic that outdoorsman will drive hundreds of miles to park, then walk, paddle, float, ride or climb for enjoyment.   While we always focus on the sport itself, few participants give more than a passing thought to the most statistically dangerous part of most outdoor activities: the drive.

Driving can be a risky venture.  Outdoor enthusiasts are especially prone to mishaps due to several common factors involved with most outdoor field trips:  driving at dawn and dusk, tight schedules that lead to speeding and trailer towing.

When I refer to driving, we are not just discussing massive vacation expeditions to Florida or Canada.   Each year hunters, fishermen and other outdoor devotees will spend many long hours behind the wheel making day or weekend trips to favorite locations within a days drive.  These jaunts are when familiarity breeds carelessness.

Before leaving home, make sure your vehicle is ready.  Packing rods, guns, camping gear or other equipment is best done the day or night before a trip to prevent forgotten items which will require a quick trip back home, followed by a NASCAR-worthy attempt to make up lost time.    Having your gear and vehicle ready makes the start of the trip much smoother, allowing for more leisurely, thus safer, driving.

Trailers are undoubtedly one of the most vital yet treacherous pieces of outdoor equipment.  Twice I have had trailers attempt to pass me on a curve while they were supposed to be trailing merrily along behind my vehicle.  I don’t recommend the experience.

When towing, make it a habit to “pre-flight” your rig just like a pilot inspects his airplane before takeoff.  Walk around the trailer and tow vehicle while physically touching each critical component and mentioning it out loud.   When you see that the hitch is securely fastened, say, “Hitch is fastened”.  This may seem odd, but it serves as another mental check that the hitch is indeed locked.  This point was driven home to Yours Truly last year when I reached the boat ramp and found, to my horror, I had driven 60 miles with a brand new boat that was merely resting on the hitch.  Of course I had looked at the hitch, but somehow in my haste, didn’t realize that it was unsecured.

Trailer lights are a frequent source of problems.  Before leaving, activate your emergency flashers and walk to the rear of the trailer to make sure the lights are working properly.   A semi truck parked in your backseat is no way to find out your brake lights don’t function because of water in the connector.

Driving during early morning and late evening hours can be chancy.  During these times, you are not typically very alert or prepared for emergency maneuvers.  During early morning trips, eat or drink something to help wake up and fend off the urge to return to the arms of Morpheus.  In the evening, after a long day of physical activity, try to take frequent breaks and don’t overestimate your reserve of inner strength.  If necessary, open the windows and swap drivers at half-hour intervals.

Trip companions can be a big help.  After spending a tiring day afield, most partners end up slumped against the passenger side window, drooling on the glass and snoring.  Unfortunately, most male drivers will claim not to be sleepy, even as they drift off the road into a cornfield.   Partners should take it upon themselves to keep up chatter, rehashing the day and other topics to make sure the driver remains alert.  If things get bad, resort to controversial topics such as religion, politics and redheaded women.  The resulting argument might be heated, but it should help the driver remain wide-awake.

Driving during the wee hours can be dangerous because of animals, especially deer.  It is not uncommon to round a dark highway curve and suddenly see a small group of does mincing around on the centerline in suicidal fashion.  Perhaps this a game the deer play to prove their bravery now that wolves are effectively absent from the forest

The biggest problem in most traffic accidents is the loose nut behind the wheel: the driver.  The majority of males believe themselves expert race drivers even though their racing experience might only involve merging a 1986 Ford Grenada onto the Interstate system.  Don’t overestimate your skills when it comes to winding roads and poor visibility.

Most of all, take it easy while in route to the outdoors; embrace the old proverb, “life is a journey, not the destination”.  While traveling, enjoy the passing scenery, swap fishing lies with your friends, feel the tingle of anticipation in your stomach and enjoy the tired satisfaction at the end of the day.  Save your risk tickets for the true adventure sports, such as eating camp cooking.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites