Logan Voss
Splashing through water crossings in your jeep or pickup truck is exhilarating. While you will not come across water crossings on every off-road trip, they do make your adventure even more thrilling. However, these crossings can be dangerous, so you’ll need to learn a few safety tips for crossing water while off-roading before your trip.
Notice the Depth
If you cross a body of water that is too deep, you risk damaging your vehicle or losing control. Before you cross a body of water, notice the depth. Also, if the water is moving, drive slowly with caution so that your vehicle will not float with the current.
Proceed With Caution
Although it’s tempting to race through water and create a large and impressive splash, it’s easy to lose control of your vehicle when you speed. Instead, drive slowly over a body of water and use caution. Anytime you go off-roading, it’s best to drive with caution, even if you go off-roading in a large vehicle such as a pickup truck. In fact, one of the helpful tips for off-roading in your pickup truck is to drive slowly and carefully.
Cross Designated Areas
Beginner off-roaders should never cross random bodies of water on their own. Instead, find a designated crossing area. Designated crossing areas are safe for both beginner and experienced drivers, so you will not need to worry about your safety.
Stay Away From Mud
Another safety tip for crossing water while off-roading is to stay away from mud when possible. Of course, it’s almost impossible to avoid mud completely when you are around water, but try to drive around large, slippery crevices of mud. The last thing you want to do is accidentally trap your vehicle in the mud. Extracting your jeep or pickup from mud is tiresome, so it’s best to avoid the situation in the first place.
