More Offroading Freedom
4x4 use and the Environment
What is it about 4x4s that some people seem to hate?
I often wonder.
A lot of the reasons are based on misunderstanding or myths. There are even anti-4x4 organizations! And the sad truth is that governments and local authorities are listening to these voices with the unfortunate result of closing down of trails. Trails that have been used for decades to bring us closer to nature.
Offroading is not just getting off the beaten path and experiencing the thrill of driving across uncharted terrain. Most offroaders I know love nature and want to experience it in all its beauty and preserve it so our kids and grandkids can too. Spending time in nature is truly one of the best ways to experience the abundant beauty found on our planet.
Despite environment concerns raised by the anti-4x4 organizations, the truth is that most offroaders follow the law and drive on trails.
As for damage to the environment - any car irrespective of it's size causes pollution. The world is full of small minded bigots who like to generalise and put the blame on anyone but themselves.
Fuel Use and Offroad Vehicles
One of the things that has many concerned about the 4x4 and offroad vehicles is the carbon emissions released by the powerful engines mounted on these vehicles. Others worry about the fuel used by 4x4 vehicles. Many offroad vehicles do use a lot more fuel, but the truth is that most modern vehicles use fossil fuel like diesel or gasoline regardless of how economical they may be.
With the heavily taxed fuel we use - this should be good news for the country you live in.
Passenger airplanes consume fule at an average of 4.8 l/100 km per passenger and the contrails they create seem to have way more effect on global warming. So - when you travel on a jet airplane - the effect is pretty severe - and no one is threatening to ban them from being used!
The Beauty of Offroading
Offroading is one of the best ways to experience true freedom, outside of the metal jungle of the city. Urban life is so confined, and it can be hard to stretch and feel at home in the tight streets, trafficked highways, and cramped offices we spend our lives in. Everything is so man-made and artificial. Most dream of getting more in touch with nature. Some have a pot of plants in their window, others keep fish in a bowl and a few escape to the great outdoors over the weekend.
When we get out into the country, the world is laid out in front of us. We can live the thrill of enjoying nature in its pristine form, and we can get in touch with our primal selves out in the wilderness where no one else can go. You can see life in the wild as it really is when you have your own offroad vehicle, as you are able to strike out into the unknown and go where few have gone before.
Offroaders are Just Like You and Me
There are plenty of rich people who purchase 4x4 vehicles in order to show off to their friends, but the truth is that the majority of the people who use 4x4 vehicles to go off-road are normal every-day people - like you and me. They're family men that want to enjoy a bit of fun on the weekend, and they take their kids to the hidden glades, fountains, and streams in the middle of nowhere. They are nature enthusiasts who enjoy the Earth in its original form, without the touch of man to alter the beauty of our planet.
What is often forgotten is that we humans are multi-dimensional. Sometimes I like to walk, sometimes I like to bike, sometimes I like to go offroading - often all these things and more on a single weekend tour!
Benefits of Offroad Vehicles
Did you know that there are actually a number of benefits for people owning and using their own offroad vehicle?
- Disaster Relief -- Most police and armies have a number of offroad vehicles that can be used in disaster relief. Voluntary search and rescue units own 4x4s that are used to save life. If you find yourself in a flood, a major fire, an earthquake, or some other natural disaster, the roads may be closed off. If you have your own 4x4 vehicle, you can actually make a difference and provide disaster relief. Not only will you be able to save your family, but you can help others.
- Safety in a "cage" -- When you are stranded in the wild - staying in your 4x4 gives you protection. Protection from the elements as well as some nasty animals that may lurk around in the dark. For longer tours you can easily carry emergency equipment and food to last for days.
- Elderly people and small kids and disabled people -- For those who can't walk, getting on a 4x4 is the only way to experience remote areas.
- Greater Durability -- The heavier motors, higher suspension, and stronger engines may make 4x4 vehicles seem scary, but these are the same things that make the vehicles last longer. Most offroaders will drive the same 4x4 vehicle their entire life, while tiny city cars need change every few years. Smaller cars break a lot more quickly, but it's the tougher vehicles that last longer. When you calculate the environmental effect you have to consider the whole life-span of the vehicle.
- Better Maintenance -- When you drive a 4x4 vehicle off-road, you are putting it through its paces. This means that you have to take good care of your truck, and you'll do more regular maintenance. The average city car will often go for months or years without needed maintenance, meaning that there may be more oil leaks, coolant spills, and exhaust emissions on your average small car than with a 4x4 truck.
- Nature Travel -- The number of eco-tours offered around the world is growing by the year, but did you know that there are many beautiful places you can see right in your own backyard? If you have a vehicle that you can use to go off-road, you'll be able to explore the beauty of your own country. Not only will this cut down on travel -- meaning less fuel used for driving or flying to another country -- but you can see all the beautiful nature sights that exist in your own area.
While there is a lot of controversy about these 4x4 vehicles, the truth is that they are still a great option for those who have a spirit of adventure and freedom!
Offroading Rules
To show our respect for the environment we as truck owners should follow a few simple rules:
- Take all your trash back -- If you brought anything with you, make sure to bring it home. Don't leave trash, as someone else needs to clean it up. Coolers, bottles, cans, plastic wrappers, bags, and food items should all be picked up. Leave the untouched beauty of nature free of evidence of your passing, and it will be just as spectacular the next time you visit.
- Unless specifically state - offroadiing is only allowed on trails -- Most offroading happens on trails and these trails are clearly marked. Stay on the trail unless you're in an area that specifically states that you can go off-road.
- Leave no broken parts behind -- In your offroading travels, you may damage parts of your car. Don't leave the broken parts behind, but pick them up and bring them home with you. Headlight glass, bumper plastic, or metal from your undercarriage should always be disposed of at home.
- Don't damage the wilderness -- Respect the wilderness and show it the love it deserves. Some areas are more delicate than others and a thoughtless drive off-road can leave marks that takes years to heal. Public land is for us all to enjoy and care for.
- Don't spill oil or other toxic fluids on the ground -- Don't allow your 4x4 to leak oil, brake fluid, or coolant, and dont take your vehicle off-road until you've found and fixed whatever is causing it to leak. You want to avoid leaking toxic fluids onto the trail. If you do have to make repairs mid-trail, be careful that none of the fluids from your car run onto the soil.
- Get permission and follow rules for the area -- Get permission from local wildlife or forestry services before taking your truck off-road. Many national and state parks will allow you to go offroad, but you'll need a permit to be able to do so.
- Respect other travellers -- If you encounter hikers, campers, runners, or climbers on your journeys, respect them. They have just as much right to the trail as you do, and they are enjoying the beauty around them too. Be a respectful, pleasant driver, and people will respect your right to your offroading freedom.
...in short don't be an asshole!
If you see other drivers who are not following some of these rules - stop by and take your time to explain and educate. These are often younger drivers acting out of ignorance. Reducing the number of "black sheeps" - that is time well spent!
Closing down trails
In the name of "protecting the wilderness" the trend in the world has been towards banning offroading and closing down trails. But our resources were not being protected FOR the public, but rather FROM the public. Popular areas in US like the Moab and Johnson Valley are under threat.
It is important to fight this battle and a few non-profit organizations are doing just that:
- The BlueRibbon Coalition was founded in 1987 shortly after Clark Collins, Founder and first Executive Director, was told by then Idaho Governor John Evans that recreationists were not politically significant and implied that Wilderness was more important than motorized access to public lands. Del Albright currently serves as BRC's 4-wheel drive Ambassador.
- The United Four Wheel Drive Associations have been around since the '70's. They fight the anti-access groups who spend tremendous sums of money to close the areas where we all enjoy our sport. It is imperative that we have a strong and United voice to represent us.
- Tread-Lightly is a nonprofit organization with the mission to promote responsible outdoor recreation through ethics education and stewardship programs.
In other countries the fight for the ancient right to travel is taking place. Show your support by joining forces with other offroaders and nature lovers.
Share this page and this message with every offroader you know.
The joy of offroading is something that we love, and it's a great way to experience freedom and independence. If you're going to go rock crawling, dune bashing or overlanding, remember that caring for the environment is our responsibility!
Thrandur Arnthorsson
Thrandur is the chief-editor and owner of 4x4 Off Roads and an 4x4 off road enthusiast. Living in Iceland he loves to share the
coolest 4x4 trucks and supporting more offroad freedom.
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