4x4 Off-Road Driving and Conservation

4x4 Off-Road Driving and Conservation Offroad drivers have quite rightly been maligned and badmouthed in many parts of Africa because of cowboy driving which is environmentally destructive to highly sensitive ecosystems. It is the responsibility of all offroaders to behave in an environmentally sensitive way, or we could see former recreation areas being declared off-limits to us.

Deserts

Driving off established tracks destroys ancient life-forms every metre of the way. Always stick to existing tracks. Every time you leave an established track, a new scar is created on the landscape, and the chances are good that someone travelling after you will follow your tracks thinking it is an established route. When forced to traverse a section of desert where there are no tracks, try to drive in dry river beds. Here, vehicle tracks will be washed away in the next flash flood.

Beach Driving

Beach driving should be avoided unless you have no other option. Lower your tire pressures to avoid compacting sensitive areas (and to give better flotation) Try to stick as closely as possible to the wet sand area below the high tide mark where, because of wave action, the sand is tough and resilient. If this is not possible, drive as close to the high tide mark as possible.

Never ever drive on beach dunes. They are perhaps the most dynamic and vulnerable part of beach ecology; constantly changing building blocks which hold the beach together. The backshore section, mud flats and salt marshes are all environmentally fragile and must be avoided.

Track Damage

One vehicle bogged on a bush track can destroy a road in just a few days as heavy rains gouge the initial hole into an erosion donga. When you bog down - in dry or wet weather - repair the hole afterwards. Divert any streams running through the danger area and mark the hole to warn other drivers. If you use firewood or branches to improve traction, remove them afterwards. They can cause terrible damage to the brake and fuel lines and electrical wiring of other vehicles.

Bull Bars and Winching

Bullbars are there to protect your vehicle, not to bash your way through the bush for the fun of it. Doing so destroys vegetation. When winching off a tree, use a commercially available tree saver, a collar of thick rubber or a wadded up sack to protect the bark. Winch cables cut into the bark of a tree, ring barking it, and virtually guaranteeing it will die.

Information from:
Andre Botha
Approved Member of African Off-Road Academy
www.just4x4adventures.co.za
andre@just4x4adventures.co.za

Also View:

Crime as a Threat to Road Safety in South Africa

South Africans live in a country blessed with beauty and diversity. We share a country with a colourful history, having overcome rather significant and unique challenges. However proudly South African, we may be, we have to admit that we face serious challenges to safety daily in our homes, places

Toll Roads in South Africa

Why have toll roads? Roads form the main artery of economic competitiveness, growth and social development. Building roads costs billions of rands. Toll roads assist us in meeting the demands of social services, which are important for the growth of our country. Toll roads accelerate the availability

Who is Accisure

A proudly South African organisation, launched in 2017 with a mission to address the critical need for individuals to access the best medical care following injuries sustained at work or during daily commutes. Their aim is to provide a holistic membership experience, swiftly connecting commuters to

E-Hailing Taxi Services and Road Safety

Introduction Technology and smartphone apps have changed the way most of us gain access to taxi services. The E-Hailing taxi services industry has become a major role player in public transport. Even though it is very convenient, mostly well-regulated and safe, the E-Hailing taxi industry has also

Guide to Bus Passenger Safety

Introduction to Safety for Passengers There have been horrific and alarming bus crashes across the globe. Studies have however revealed that the transportation of school children is safest in buses and in fact significantly safer than transporting school children in minibuses, vans or other passenger

The Bus Industry in South Africa and Road Safety

Background info on South African Bus Industry The bus industry in South Africa has for many years made a vital contribution to the economic and social development of the country. As a provider of bus services it has and continues to provide mobility to millions of people who are dependent on public