Safety Guidelines

[JCosmos]

As a Four Wheeler, you are especially dependent upon the performance of, and the equipment for, your vehicle. Please note that the following safety requirements and recommendations are not intended as harassment. Their purpose is to maximize your 4-wheeling pleasure. As many seasoned off-roaders have commented, "SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S CONCERN!"
The key is PREPARATION. As General Norman Schwarzkopf said, "If you sweat a lot in peace
time (before you go on the trail), then you won't bleed as much in battle (on the trail)"! (Is that heavy, or what?)
NOTE:  ALL VEHICLES DRIVEN ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS, ROADS, AND LANDS SHOULD MEET CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE REQUIREMENTS AND BE "STREET LEGAL.”

ROLL BARS
These should be commercially manufactured or the equivalent; bolted vertically and/or horizontally as applicable; .095 inch minimum wall thickness (.120 is recommended), with steel tubing measuring 1-1/2" to 2" O. D. minimum. They should have a 3" head clearance.
Padding is highly recommended. If your vehicle does not have a roll bar (full cage recommended), then it should have a non-detachable hard-top.

SEAT BELTS
Seat belts must be provided for all occupants of the vehicle and should be used at all times.
Belts must be secured by bolts to the body or the frame. Shoulder straps are recommended for
the driver.

FIRST AID KIT
A well-equipped First Aid Kit is a must. Check CA4WDC and/or Red Cross for items making up a kit. Completion of a Red Cross Basic First Aid course and CPR is a definite asset.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER
At least one 2-1/2 lb. ABC rated dry chemical, or equivalent, Halon fire extinguisher is to be carried in each vehicle. Please note that Halon in not nearly as effective in a windy environment. NOTE: NEVER OPEN HOOD DURING ENGINE FIRES! BATTERIES, FUEL, AND BRAKE FLUID CAN EXPLODE!

EXHAUST SYSTEMS
Cut-outs and open exhausts are not acceptable. Exhaust systems should conform to State and Federal laws regarding off-highway use. (Remember to never park your vehicle over tall, dry grass, as the extreme heat from the catalytic converter is quite sufficient to start a ground fire under your vehicle).

TOW HOOKS AND ROPES
ALL VEHICLES should have some means of being helped--or helping others--out of tight situations. A 20-30,000 lb. nylon tow rope (or chain) and tow hooks, front and rear, are minimum recommendations. Please remember that extreme care and caution should be exercised when any towing, winching, or rescue work is being done. Bystanders should stay well clear of towing or winching operations.