by Alec W » Thu Aug 09, 2007 12:03 pm
Great guidelines.
One thing that’s almost redundant anymore is the uphill vehicles having the right of way rule. I think this dates back to the days when some vehicles on the trail didn’t have 4x4 low and reverse gear was lower than first gear so it was easier for the vehicle backing up the hill (not very common anymore).
On most narrow shelf roads (where this rule mostly comes into play) the rule of thumb is that the vehicle nearest to a pull off gives way and backs up if necessary and uphill/downhill is irrelevant. The number of vehicles in either group makes a big difference too. Two large groups passing on a narrow shelf road can actually be quite a cluster and the leaders in each group need to actually get out and talk about the best way to pass.
I know this might seem nitpicky but death on narrow shelf roads is more common that people might think.
On a similar note, although we joke about people’s fear of heights some people really are scared and can freeze up. If you have an extreme fear of heights don’t be embarrassed to ask someone to drive your truck past the off camber or cliffy section for you. For the rest of us, look out for your fellow wheelers, especially on cliffy stuff if you know they are not totally comfortable with heights. Make that offer to drive their truck if they look really uncomfortable.
Last edited by
Alec W on Thu Aug 09, 2007 12:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.